Datuk Paul Chua
Secretary General
Asian Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation
Dear Sir,
I am extremely disturbed over the suspension of ABBF, your goodself and my friend Simon Chan by IFBB. It clearly shows how the sport has deplored under the stewardship of the current International President. With regards to charges laid against ABBF, the below are my 2 cents worth.
IFBB became a signatory to the WADA Code in 2003. However, at that point in time the IFBB Anti-Doping rules were not in conformance with the WADA Code. Only on 1st January 2006, the IFBB Anti-Doping Rules 2006 came into effect and that version was accepted as being in conformance with the WADA Code. Given that being the background, the following charges are in contention and suspect.
ABBF decision on the 3 Hong Kong athletes
ABBF's decision to reinstate the 3 athletes prior to the Asian Games in Doha was done under the prescribed process being in force at the time the decision was made. The athletes had served a reduced period of suspension on 1 year after an appeal by the athletes supported by the NF. ABBF had not only followed the prescribed process but also followed set precedent of IFBB (refer to case of 2 Qatar athletes vs IFBB - athletes were allowed a reduced period of suspension of 8 months following appeal by athletes supported by NF). ABBF also ordered the athletes a penalty of $4000 each following precedent set by IFBB in the Qatar case.
If ABBF is punished for wrongful handling of the doping process, then IFBB should also remain vicariously liable for not having proper processes at the time of the incident and for not setting the right precedents.
Involvement of WADA
As for IFBB's allegation that WADA is investigating the matter, it is clear that WADA had no jurisdiction to investigate the matter as at the time of offense, the Anti-Doping rules in force was not in conformance with the WADA Code. Though it can be argued that at the time of appeal in 2006, a new set of rules was in place, this arguement cannot hold water as the code was not in place when the offence took place. It would be against the cause of natural justice to adjudicate on one set of rules and appeal on another different set. This is highly prejudicial against the said athletes.
ABBF's decision was therefore exercised in good faith and in accordance of the rules in force at that time.
IFBB Incorporated
As for the allegation that IFBB is a corporate enterprise, this goes against the grain of promoting bodybuilding as a sport. IFBB owes all member nations an explaination, not just as a responsible sporting citizen but also since all National Federations had paid an annual affiliation fee, all National Federations can be deemed as shareholders in the context of Company Law.
In conclusion, it is very sad to see a once esteemed organization like IFBB rotting away like a dead corpse. However, with its inherent lack of transparency and iron fisted ruler, this is not seen as uncommon. With many large corporations like Enron, China Aviation Oil and Maxwell Corporation collapsing for the same reason, it is foolish for the leaders not to see this coming but alas perhaps they were not smart enough to begin with.
This episode is something former athletes like myself and current athletes will be watching closely. But if at all God is great, this would only make ABBF and the friendship and brotherhood amongst member countries even stronger. For those members who fall apart, this is the time to see who the real Asian brothers are and who are not.
I pray that you and our brothers in Asia remain steadfast and strong. God Bless you Datuk.
Your humble former athlete
S Krishnan
