KUALA LUMPUR: Badminton Asia want the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to come forward and provide an explanation as to why there has yet to be any decision made or verdict announced with regards to two Malaysian professional badminton players who are suspected of match-fixing.
Badminton Asia’s chief operations officer, Kenny Goh said that if the sport’s world governing body have their own reasons why it is taking so long to announce a decision or verdict involving the two players, they still have to provide an explanation.
"Because this case is public knowledge and has garnered a lot of attention, BWF must come forward with an explanation. I myself am puzzled as to why BWF are taking so long to come to a decision and make an announcement about it.
"Perhaps BWF have their own reasons as to why it is taking so long. However, I feel that they need to explain why it is taking so long then.
"We at Badminton Asia do not know what is going on because BWF are communicating directly with the national association and perhaps even the two players in question as well. Whatever it is, BWF must explain what is going on,” said Kenny when contacted here earlier today (Friday).
Yesterday, NSTP Sport had reported that BWF’s action in keeping mum regarding a decision or verdict from the hearing is beginning to have an effect on the livelihood of one of the players that stands accused.
After being provisionally suspended by BWF since January, the player is said to have lost his source of income because he no longer receives endorsement payments from sponsors, and is now facing financial difficulty in supporting his family.
Both players charged attended a hearing in Singapore on February 26 and 27 facing six charges of match-fixing in six different badminton championships between 2013 and 2016.
Even though BWF did not reveal the names of both the players suspected, former 2011 world youth champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli and for Thomas Cup squad player, Tan Chun Seang were seen attending the hearing throughout the two days it took place on the island republic.
However, the reason behind their attendance at the hearing still cannot be ascertained nor confirmed.