Max Mosley, the president of the FIA, has won a vote of confidence from the sport's governing body despite lurid revelations of his part in an alleged Nazi-style orgy with five prostitutes.

After a two-hour discussion at the FIA headquarters in Paris, the 68-year-old won the secret ballot by a clear margin. There were 103 votes in favour of Mosley, 55 against, with seven abstentions and four null papers.

Mosley was caught on video by the News of the World allegedly indulging in sado-masochistic sex for several hours in Chelsea.

Since the revelations, Mosley has fought to clear his name to survive in office despite a deafening chorus from those who believe that he should have stepped down, even ignoring a late plea from Bernie Ecclestone, the Formula One rights holder.

Mosley, who has maintained a low profile since the scandal broke, avoided the media again this morning as he took a back route into the FIA headquarters in Paris. He then seized his chance to put forward a powerful argument as to why he should remain in position.

Critics claimed the agenda was biased in Mosley's favour because although there was an opportunity for “statements from members” prior to Mosley's address, there was no opportunity either for an opposing case to be formally set out or for members to question their president.

The result threatens to throw motor sport, in its present bureaucratic configuration, into disarray. ADAC, the German motoring organisation, has already withdrawn its co-operation with the FIA.

A spokesman said: “We view with regret and incredulity the FIA general assembly’s decision in Paris, confirming Max Mosley in office as FIA president.

“This is a reason for Europe’s largest automobile club to let its functions and co-operation in FIA working groups rest at world level.

“ADAC will stay with its decision as long as Max Mosley holds the top FIA office of president.”

The American Automobile Association (AAA) - like its German counterparts - has been openly opposed to Mosley staying on and Robert Darbelnet, its head, said it was a “disappointing day for the FIA”.

He added: “We don’t think his behaviour is appropriate for an organisation which represents hundreds of millions of motorists.

“This is not the type of behaviour that any organisation I know of should be condoning.

“I can’t think of an organisation that would have arrived at this result today.

“From what I understand, he (Mosley) is very pleased with the outcome - and appropriately.”

Darbelnet confirmed the AAA will now review whether to remain under the FIA umbrella and discussions will take place with other motoring clubs to determine whether a breakaway faction will be formed.

The AAA and ADAC led 24 clubs in voicing their opposition to Mosley in a letter to him last week. In recent days a significant number of automobile clubs, representing 13 per cent of the vote, had added their voice to the chorus for him to resign.

Mosley has been president of the FIA for the past 15 years. His mandate is due to expire in October next year.