IFBB suspend Ukraine officials from international events.
In a shocking turn of events, the IFBB has suspended two Ukraine officials from all international events, after an incident at the 2022 IFBB European Championships.
The 2022 IFBB European Championships was a very successful event. Over 1000 athletes traveled to Santa Susanna to compete at this prestigious event.
As with all IFBB international events, all athletes represent their respective country. At the end of the event, the country that had the most success will be awarded the Best Team award.
At the 2022 IFBB European Championships, Ukraine dominated the event and were awarded the Best Team award.
Due to the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the Russian federation is currently suspended from all IFBB international events, including the IFBB European Championships.
As with all events, there are some very strict rules about countries taking advantage of the IFBB, by sending out controversial political or religious messages.
The late Ben Weider and current IFBB President Dr. Rafael Santonja believe there are no limitations, no barriers of race, religion, politics, or culture, in the sport of bodybuilding.
The Ukraine team and officials were allegedly warned before the event, that they do not take advantage of the IFBB in regards to the current tense situation.
After receiving their Best Team award, the Ukraine team gathered on stage to take the customary team photo.
After taking the photo, the Ukraine team displayed a flag with vulgar and obscene words against a third party.
As the photo made its rounds on social media, the IFBB Russian Federation published a message, condoning these actions by the Ukraine Federation.
After the incident, the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (EBFF) provisionally suspended FBBU President, Mr. Igor Deliyev and FBBU General Secretary, Mrs. Iryna Deliieva, from all international events.
EBFF – OFFICIAL NOTICE
18 May 2022
On Sunday, May 8th, at the end of the awarding ceremony of the 2022 IFBB European Championship of Bodybuilding and Fitness, the team from the Ukrainian Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (FBBU), headed by Mr. Igor Deliyev, FBBU President, and Mrs. Iryna Deliieva, FBBU General Secretary, misused the stage of the IFBB European Continental Championships, to raise a Ukrainian flag on which there were written vulgar and obscene words against a third party.
The EBFF Executive Committee is forwarding all the details and evidence of the above mentioned to the IFBB Disciplinary Commission, and in the meantime imposes a provisional suspension for participation in international activities to Mr. Igor Deliyev, FBBU President, and Mrs. Iryna Deliieva, FBBU General Secretary.
The EBFF expresses its firm commitment to the values of solidarity, tolerance, and respect in sport, and adheres to the IFBB bound “In sport, there are no limitations, no barriers of race, religion, politics, or culture. In sport, we are in touch with each other. Bodybuilding is important for Nation Building”
IFBB Russia’s reaction (Translated to English)
Dear athletes and functionaries of the Russian Bodybuilding Federation (FBBR)! Understanding how you were outraged by the act of the Ukrainian team at the European Championships on May 8 and how you all are waiting for the reaction of the International Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB), we would like to inform you about the decision taken by the IFBB regarding the officials of the Ukrainian team. “On Sunday, May 8, at the end of the awards ceremony for the winners of the European Bodybuilding and Fitness Championship IFBB 2022, the team of the Ukrainian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation (FBBU) led by FBBU President Igor Deliev and FBBU General Secretary Irina Delieva abused the stage of the IFBB Continental European Championship, raising the Ukrainian flag, on which were written vulgar and obscene words addressed to the other side. The Executive Committee of the European Bodybuilding Federation (EBFF) has sent all the details and evidence of the above to the IFBB Disciplinary Commission and is temporarily suspending Mr. Igor Deliev – FBBU President, and Ms. Irina Delieva – FBBU Secretary General from participating in international activities. The EBFF expresses its strong commitment to the values of solidarity, tolerance and respect in sport and adheres to the IFBB commitment: “There are no restrictions or barriers in sport based on racial, religious, political and cultural lines. In sports, we all touch each other, and bodybuilding is a sport that brings everyone together.” 📌The decision is posted on the IFBB website: ifbb.com.
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Dear athletes and functionaries of the Russian Bodybuilding Federation (FBBR)!
Unfortunately, Instagram deleted our post about the ugly act of the Ukrainian team at the European Championship (apparently due to numerous complaints from the offended side).
But we also have good news!
❗️Decision of the IFBB dated May 9, 2022.
(resolution update dated April 10, 2022) participation of Russian and Belarusian athletes in international tournaments is allowed around the world in individual competition under the flag of IFBB❗️
The Russian national team has repeatedly proved that it is the best in the world. And we will prove it again!
You are all a great team!
Together we are strong!💪.
Happy Victory Day again, dear friends!
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