The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness (IFBB) is once again under scrutiny for various irregularities. This time, the allegations center on the improper use of the title “Doctor” by Rafael Santonja, president of the IFBB. According to investigations, there are serious doubts about the validity of this title, which has led to formal complaints being filed with various institutions.
Previously, its status as a sports federation had been questioned, as, according to complaints, the IFBB is not a federation in the strict sense, but rather an association. Subsequently, the lack of official anti-doping controls in Spain and its non-compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code, according to the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), became apparent. Now, the title of “Doctor” that does not seem to correspond…
Rafael Santonja’s title of “Doctor”
Rafael Santonja has repeatedly claimed to be a “Doctor of Pharmacy or Nutrition.” In addition, on the back cover of the book Olimpismo y Medicina Deportiva (Olympism and Sports Medicine), where he is listed as co-author, he is presented as a “Doctor of Pharmacy from the Complutense University of Madrid.” However, the Student Secretariat of the Faculty of Pharmacy at that university has officially reported that there is no record of Santonja having studied for a doctorate at that institution.
In view of this situation, a formal complaint has been filed with the Complutense University of Madrid for the misuse of the title “Doctor.” The university has confirmed that it will study the case carefully.
Consultations with the pharmacists’ registry and results
In addition to the inquiries at the UCM, the pharmacists’ registry was consulted in the General Council of Pharmaceutical Associations. When Rafael Santonja’s name was entered, no results were found that accredited him as a member of any Official College of Pharmacists in Spain. In response to a formal inquiry, the General Council confirmed that Santonja does not appear in its Central Register of Members.
Based on the information gathered, a formal letter was sent to the IFBB requesting the immediate rectification of the use of the title “Dr.” that appears next to Rafael Santonja’s name on the organization’s official website. To date, the IFBB has not issued any official response to this request, which has generated further concern among the complainants and the general public.
Questions about transparency at the IFBB
These complaints add to previous criticism of the IFBB regarding the use and abuse of doping substances in bodybuilding and fitness competitions. According to the public body CELAD, the IFBB has not carried out official anti-doping controls in Spain, which calls into question its commitment to transparency and sports ethics.
The IFBB’s failure to comply with the World Anti-Doping Code, according to WADA, further exacerbates the situation, raising questions about the legitimacy of its competitions and their impact on the sport.
