The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled on a dispute between the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) and the International World Games Association (IWGA) concerning the IFBB's suspension from the World Games due to its poor anti-doping record. The IWGA had suspended the IFBB following multiple doping violations by its athletes during the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, citing concerns over the federation's inadequate anti-doping measures and the negative publicity it brought to the event. The IFBB contested the suspension, arguing it had taken steps to combat doping and that the IWGA's decision violated its right to be heard.
The CAS panel upheld the IWGA's decision, ruling that the IFBB's "bad doping record" and failure to implement proper anti-doping policies justified the suspension, as they harmed the reputation of the World Games and contradicted the IWGA's principles against doping. The panel found that the mere occurrence of doping violations inherently tarnished the event's credibility, regardless of specific proof of damage to the IWGA's image. The IFBB's financial constraints were deemed insufficient to excuse its lack of out-of-competition testing, as participation in the World Games required compliance with anti-doping standards.
The panel also dismissed the IFBB's procedural objections, ruling that the suspension vote was properly announced and that the IFBB had been given sufficient opportunity to respond. The suspension was deemed proportionate under Swiss law, serving the legitimate purpose of protecting the World Games' integrity. The CAS emphasized that federations unable to ensure clean competition could not expect inclusion in the event. The decision reinforced the IWGA's authority to enforce anti-doping standards and maintain the reputation of its competitions.
The dispute highlighted tensions between the IFBB's stated anti-doping efforts and the IWGA's insistence on accountability. While the IFBB cited its adherence to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Code and educational campaigns, the IWGA presented evidence of persistent doping violations by IFBB athletes, including a high percentage of positive tests at past World Games. The IWGA's initial proposal to terminate the IFBB's membership failed to secure the required majority, but the suspension was upheld.
The IFBB appealed to the CAS, seeking annulment of the suspension and compensation for legal costs. The panel confirmed its jurisdiction over the dispute and ruled that the suspension was legally justified, procedurally fair, and proportionate. The decision underscored the importance of maintaining anti-doping standards in international sports and the consequences of failing to uphold them. The IFBB's suspension remained in effect until the IWGA deemed it had sufficiently addressed its doping issues. The case set a precedent for handling similar disputes in international sports governance, balancing disciplinary actions with the rights of member federations.