KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian shuttlers, Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli, have been suspended from competing in badminton for 15 and 20 years respectively for breaching the Badminton World Federation Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting, Wagering and Irregular Match Results.
The independent players have also been banned from any involvement in the sport for 15 and 20 years respectively.
This covers administrative, coaching, officiating, or developmental functions. In addition, Chun Seang has been fined US$15,000 (approximately RM59,000) while Zulfadli has been fined US$25,000 (approximately RM98,000) by a BWF Ethics Hearing Panel.
In reaching their decision, the three-member independent panel found that Chun Seang committed 26 violations of the 2012 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results while Zulfadli committed 27 violations of the 2012 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results and four violations of the 2016 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results.
The independent panel noted both players “Engaged in corruption offences over a significant period and a significant number of tournaments” dating back to 2013 but that Zulfadli had “Committed more violations over a longer timeframe than Chun Seang” and had “been proven to have manipulated the results of four matches”.
The suspensions begin from Jan 12 this year – the date on which both players were provisionally suspended by the BWF.
Chun Seang and Zulfadli have the right to appeal under Clause 14 of the BWF Judicial Procedures.