KUALA LUMPUR: It is learnt that Lee Zii Jia is looking at a two-year ban for resigning prematurely from the national badminton team.
A source close to BAM told Timesport that the national body are expected to make the announcement at 4pm tomorrow at the Academy Badminton Malaysia in Bukit Kiara.
"Nothing is confirmed yet, but word is that Zii Jia is facing a two-year ban.
"If that is the case, I reckon his career is good as over," said the source.
Today, BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria confirmed that Zii Jia, 24, had tendered his resignation on Jan 11.
According to Norza, one of the reasons given by the All England champion was that he was under tremendous pressure, and that he needed to achieve his goals in his own time and space.
While the world No 7 remains Malaysia's No 1, it remains to be seen if BAM will make a special exemption to release the shuttler or take punitive action against him for his shocking decision.
In the past, BAM have banned players like Tan Chung Seang and Toh Ee Wei for quitting prematurely, though the latter rejoined the national setup soon after being pardoned.
A ban will certainly affect Zii Jia's career as he was initially expected to lead Malaysia at this year's major events which include the Thomas Cup in Bangkok, Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, Asian Games in Hangzhou and the Sea Games in Vietnam.