PCA Masters Championships: Pro Cards not limited to overall winners
The federation says the number of Pro Cards will depends on the size of the event and quality of athletes
By Gary Chappell
THE PCA has suggested that more than just overall winners at its new Masters Championship could be awarded pro cards.
The contest, to be held at the Connexin Live Arena in Hull on October 3, will be the federation’s first event dedicated exclusively to Masters competitors.
While it was already understood that this show would be a pro qualifier for the PCA's Masters Pro Division, the exact number of cards had not been clarified. However, the PCA has now made clear that there will be no fixed quota and that the final decision will rest with the judging panel on the day.
Speaking to Frontdouble, the federation said: “The total number of Pro Cards awarded will depend on the size of the event and the quality of the athletes competing. There is no set quota and the final decision will be made on the day by our head judges.”
The PCA also stressed that Pro status would only be awarded when the standard justifies it.
The federation added: “PCA is committed to maintaining the prestige and exclusivity of its Pro Status by awarding it only to the most deserving athletes. The Pro Card will never be granted automatically or by default.”
The wording suggests that Pro Cards may not be restricted solely to overall winners at the PCA Masters Championships, as is often the case at amateur bodybuilding shows. In fact, PCA Pro Cards are only usually awarded at its flagship events, such as the Universe, British Championships, Worlds and UK Open.
Instead, it appears that individual class winners could potentially earn Pro status if the standard is high enough, giving more Masters competitors a genuine opportunity to turn professional.
The PCA Masters Championships is expected to attract strong interest from older competitors across the UK – with the show already 25 per cent full.
With the number of Pro Cards ultimately dependent on the calibre of athletes who step on stage, the message from the PCA is clear: earn it on the day.
This season's full UK bodybuilding show calendarHERE.
This season's bodybuilding results from recent PCA shows can be found HERE.
Italy-based federation reveals IBFA GB amid UK split
Now there will be TWO IBFA federations in the UK this season
By Gary Chappell
THE ongoing dispute between IBFA UK and its former international parent organisation has entered a new phase following the launch of a separate UK entity – IBFA GB – by the Italy-based International Bodybuilding Fitness Association.
As previously reported by FrontDouble, IBFA UK president Matthew Ali has confirmed that his organisation is no longer affiliated with the international federation and is now operating as the Independent Bodybuilding Fitness Association UK, while continuing to use the acronym “IBFA UK”.
Ali has rejected claims that control of IBFA UK has changed hands and has warned of potential legal action over what he describes as unauthorised use of the UK designation.
Italy-based IBFA launches IBFA GB
In response to the split, the international federation has now launched IBFA GB, effectively establishing a separate British entity operating independently of Ali’s organisation.
The move appears to formalise what had previously been an internal governance dispute into a clear structural separation, with two distinct federations now operating in the UK under similar branding but different titles.
IBFA GB issued a statement on Saturday, January 17, which read:
IBFA GB STATEMENT “Going forward we think it’s important that everyone involved, whether that be staff, competitors and people attending shows, understand our values. HONESTY TRUST FAIRNESS EQUALITY INTEGRITY All five values are what we think our federation, and every other federation involved in bodybuilding, should work with to bring the best out of the sport that we all love and, most importantly, bring the best out of competitors. At IBFA GB we welcome all competitors with absolutely zero tolerance to discrimination towards race, religion, gender and ability. We are working tirelessly to create a supportive, encouraging and positive atmosphere, which will hopefully create a community of this country’s best bodybuilders and supporters. Finally, the health and well-being of our competitors is our main and most important focus, because it’s you that keep the cogs turning in this sport. We are here to look after you and provide you with a stage to showcase your fantastic ability. Thank you all,
Team IBFA GB”
In a further post on social media, IBFA GB announced their officials as:
President: Kenneth Brown
Secretary: Kyle Vice
Committee members: Gemma Vice, Connor Coulson, Anna Barrass, Johnny Woodhead and Demi Ruberts.
Despite having no show calendar to date, IBFA GB added: "We have some exciting plans in the works so make sure you all stay well tuned. Rest assured we’re working hard behind the scenes to put on the most unforgettable shows for all you amazing athletes to showcase yourselves and your hard work. Bodybuilding at its finest. Announcement soon.
"Again thank you from everyone at IBFA GB and the Filizola family for your continued and growing support."
Ali has previously stated on social media that cease and desist notices had been issued instructing the international federation to stop using the acronym “IBFA UK”.
Ali had also indicated that he was due to meet with solicitors to discuss the matter. It is understood that this meeting was scheduled to take place last week, although no formal update or documentation has since been published.
Central issue: branding and authority
With the launch of IBFA GB, the central issue now appears less about presidency and more about branding, continuity, and authority.
Ali’s position rests on his claim that:
IBFA UK has been formally registered in the UK as an unincorporated association
the acronym “IBFA UK” is legally his to use domestically
his organisation represents the continuation of the UK federation he rebuilt
The international federation, by contrast, appears to have accepted the split and responded by establishing a new UK-facing body under a different designation, rather than continuing to assert control over the IBFA UK name.
This may reduce direct naming conflict, but it does not fully resolve questions around:
historical use of the IBFA UK identity
athlete eligibility for international competitions
and whether past governance arrangements were ever formally documented
What this means for athletes
For UK competitors, the practical consequence is that two separate pathways now exist.
Athletes competing under IBFA UK will do so within an organisation that is no longer affiliated with the Italy-based international federation, but which Ali says is continuing to expand domestically and internationally under its own banner. Indeed, IBFA UK are planning a World Championships in Alicante, Spain in 2027 and this season will host their own Mr & Miss Universe in Cardiff.
Athletes aligning with IBFA GB are likely to retain direct access to international IBFA events. However, Ali has said that the Italy-based organisation has now made the Universe and Worlds open events rather than invite only. This has yet to be confirmed.
FrontDouble advises athletes to seek written clarification regarding federation affiliation and international eligibility before entering competitions.
IBFA GB – an evolving situation
While the creation of IBFA GB clarifies that the international federation is now pursuing a separate UK strategy, significant questions remain unanswered.
FrontDouble has contacted the Italy-based federation seeking clarification on:
the governance structure of IBFA GB
its relationship to previous UK officials
and how it intends to manage athlete eligibility going forward
At the time of publication, no response has been received.
The situation remains fluid, with legal, organisational and reputational implications still unfolding on both sides.
FrontDouble will continue to report developments as verifiable information becomes available.
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