What should have been a career-defining moment at the 2024 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship became the center of significant controversy when, during the medal ceremony, Attard directed a middle finger gesture toward fellow finalist Pawel Jaworski. The act was captured at the podium and quickly drew widespread attention across the BJJ community.
The IBJJF responded by issuing Attard a one-year suspension for athlete conduct violations. The ban effectively ruled him out of every major IBJJF event throughout 2025 and sparked broader discussion within BJJ circles about sportsmanship standards — particularly on the podium, where the sport's visibility is at its highest.
The fact that the gesture was directed specifically at Pawel Jaworski — his direct opponent in the final — gave the act added weight. Rather than a generalized display of frustration, it was a pointed gesture toward a fellow competitor sharing the same podium, a distinction that likely factored into the organization's decision to impose a formal suspension.