KUALA LUMPUR: The verdict is out, world No 7 Lee Zii Jia will not be registered for any international tournaments for the next two years for prematurely withdrawing from the BA of Malaysia (BAM).
In an official press conference held at the Academy Badminton Malaysia (ABM) in Bukit Kiara, the national body confirmed that Zii Jia, as well as former world junior champion Goh Jin Wei, will not be registered for tournaments for the next two years, for prematurely leaving, to safeguard BAM as an institution and national interest as well.
Earlier this week, the Malaysian badminton fraternity was rocked by news of the 24-year-old reigning All England champion leaving the national setup to pursue his career as a professional.
In confirming Zii Jia's resignation on Wednesday, BAM president Tan Sri Norza Zakaria had said a series of meetings were held after Zii Jia and his sister Zii Yii had met with him and BAM secretary general Datuk Kenny Goh.
He had said he had then called for a council meeting on Jan 17, and after hearing Zii Jia's side of the story, had come to a decision.