“Fine Will Be Imposed”: IFBB Openly Warns Bodybuilders of Detrimental Consequences Against Casual Behavior Ahead of Arnold Classic 2023

The International Fitness & Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) is the apex governing body of sports concerning bodybuilding and fitness. The 77-year-old federation oversees several world and continental championships. With more and more athletes joining the bodybuilding circuit to cement their names in the history of the sport, IFBB issues a serious warning to curb withdrawals from the final list.

IFBB is the most prestigious ticket to achieve greatness in the sport. Ahead of the second most prestigious contest in bodybuilding, the Arnold Classic and its latest announcement of an increase in prize money totaling $300,000, the board sends out an e-mail emphasizing the significance of making it to the final Arnold Classic list and why it is not a good idea to take it for granted.

Think twice before pulling out of the competition

The e-mail particularly concerns the individuals who made it to the final roster of a contest governed by IFBB. “Suspension of fine will be imposed,” the federation imposed it as a hard-and-fast rule to curb walking out of the contest after the final list is charted out. In addition, the federation attempted to give an inclusive explanation for its appeal.

The IFBB explained that signing up for any invitational contest, such as Arnold Classic and not participating, will have huge repercussions on several stakeholders. Reasoning why, “You must consider that you have taken a spot away from the athletes who are training and looking for a chance to be invited,” the e-mail stated.

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Furthermore, the board pointed out its detrimental impact on the promoters who rely on the fixed number of athletes for the contest and raises a question of credibility in their participation in all future IFBB Pro League Invitational events. However, a valid reason for the withdrawal is not denied.

A moral responsibility toward the authorities and fans

A decision to not participate after the promoter announces the final list is not only disadvantageous to the organizers, but also to the athletes. Ahead of the Arnold Classic Festival, the IFBB board informs that the candidate “must provide a doctor’s excuse or legitimate reason for a withdrawal,” failing which the athlete will face suspension or a fine.

The bodybuilding world has witnessed several athletes making it to the contest to not disappoint the authorities and fans despite unexpected medical complications. It includes seven-time Mr. Olympia Phil Heath during the 2009 contest and four-time Mr. Olympia Classic Physique Chris Bumstead in 2018. Isn’t it a moral responsibility of an athlete? What are your thoughts? Leave a comment.

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