Ken Roczen has always been one of the most outspoken riders in the world of motocross, and his recent comments about the FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) have stirred up yet another firestorm of controversy. In a candid interview following a tough Supercross season, Roczen didn’t hold back when discussing his frustrations with the governing body, claiming that the FIM’s handling of certain rules and events was directly responsible for some of the issues he’s faced in his career.
“They’re the reason why so many things have gone wrong for me,” Roczen said, speaking with a rare bluntness that only added fuel to the growing tension between him and the sport’s officials. “I’ve worked harder than anyone, and I’ve had to jump through hoops, but the way they run things—it’s not fair. They’ve had a hand in a lot of the things that have kept me from getting the results I deserve. I’m not the only one who feels this way, but I’m the one who’s gonna say it.”
For those who’ve followed Roczen’s career, his relationship with the FIM has always been a complex one. From his early days dominating in Europe to his shift to the American Supercross circuit, he’s often found himself at odds with the powers that be. But his comments now suggest a deeper level of frustration, one that seems to stem from a combination of personal disappointments and a sense of being held back by forces outside his control.
The German rider, who’s battled both injuries and career setbacks in recent years, went on to accuse the FIM of inconsistencies in its rule enforcement, citing how certain riders seem to get preferential treatment or leniency in certain situations. “When it’s a big name, things change,” he added. “There’s always this favoritism toward certain guys, and it makes it harder for the rest of us. I’ve seen it happen. The way they handle penalties, the way they interpret rules—it’s just not right. If you’re going to make the sport fair, then it has to be fair for everyone.”
Though Roczen didn’t name names, it was clear that his frustrations were directed toward what he perceived as a system that’s been unfair to him, especially in high-pressure situations. He highlighted several races where he felt the outcome was influenced by poor officiating or a lack of consistent rule enforcement. In particular, he brought up the way certain penalties or disqualifications were handed out, suggesting that there was an element of bias involved in those decisions.
The comments have ignited a whirlwind of debate within the motocross world. Some fans and pundits have rallied behind Roczen, agreeing that the FIM has shown a lack of consistency over the years, which can have serious consequences on the outcome of races.
