IFBB Elite Pro not affected by ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes.
There has been a big misunderstanding regarding the suspension of athletes from Russia and Belarus in regards to the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro.
It seems the bodybuilding media, especially the American based media channels, do not seem to understand the difference between the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro.
The IFBB, the federation created by Ben Weider and now headed by Dr. Rafael Santonja, sanctions amateur events, and are affiliated with the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
The IFBB Elite Pro is the professional division sanctioned by the IFBB. Just like the NPC cater to amateur athletes and the Pro League cater to pro athletes, qualified as pro’s from the NPC.
The majority of the media have started to label the IFBB as the IFBB Elite Pro, this is incorrect. The IFBB and IFBB elite Pro are two totally different entities, as already explained at the beginning of this article.
IFBB suspends Russian and Belarusian athletes
The press release regarding the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes published on 8 March, 2022, has been totally misunderstood by the majority of press and athletes.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net contacted IFBB President, Dr. Rafael Santonja, to get the exact details regarding the suspension of Russian and Belarusian athletes, in regards to the war between Russia and Ukraine.
Dr. Rafael Santonja confirmed that the IFBB, on the recommendation of the IOC, have decided, ain collaboration with other major federations around the world to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials from participating at IFBB’s AMATEUR events.
This ban does not apply to IFBB Elite Pro athletes. IFBB Elite Pro athletes are professional athletes and they can participate at any IFBB Elite Pro event all over the world.
At the same time, the IFBB recommends that Russian athletes, should reconsider their decision before deciding to participate at any event out of Russia, for their own safety.
IFBB President, Dr. Rafael Santonja, insisted that they are communicating with the Russian affiliate of the IFBB on a daily basis, and they are in full agreement with this decision.
Dr. Santonja stated that the safety of the athletes is the first priority of the IFBB and IFBB Elite Pro.
In regards the the athletes from Ukraine, a majority of athletes are fighting in the war and the IFBB is deeply concerned about their safety.
Evolutionofbodybuilding.net also asked IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja about the Siberian Power Show that is going to take place 1-3 April, 2022.
Since the Siberian Power Show, was already confirmed to take place before the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian athletes, Dr. Rafael Santonja confirmed that the event will take place, without any restrictions. IFBB Amateur and IFBB Elite Pro events will take place as scheduled.
Russian and Belarusian IFBB Elite Pro athletes can compete at any contest, without any restrictions.
In regards to future IFBB amateur events, until further notice, unfortunately, amateur Russian and Belarusian athletes and officials cannot participate at any IFBB event.
Again, this decision was made with great consideration for the athletes safety.
Until further notice, with tensions between Russia and Ukraine continuing to escalate, the IFBB’s and other major sport federation’s ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes will continue to be enforced.
