KUALA LUMPUR, April 27 — Badminton ace Datuk Lee Chong Wei has reportedly been suspended for eight months from active competition due to his failed drug test last year, The Star cited unnamed sources as saying today.

The suspension will, however, take effect from last August when the former world number one player was provisionally suspended after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Youth and Sports Minister Khairy Jamaluddin will hold a press conference with Lee this afternoon, during which the outcome of Lee’s doping hearing will be announced.

Lee tested positive for dexamethasone after 2014 World Championships in Copenhagen, Denmark, where a random urine sampling first showed traces of the banned anti-inflammatory drug.

The use of dexamethasone is not permitted during competition.

The shuttler had reportedly suffered a thigh injury for which he had undergone stem cell treatment in July at a private hospital.

He was provisionally suspended by the Badminton World Federation and faced a disciplinary panel that heard his case in Amsterdam earlier this month.

Lee Chong Wei's suspension will take effect from last August when the former world number one player was provisionally suspended after he tested positive for a banned substance. — Reuters file pic

Lee could have been banned for up to two years for the offence, and previously said he would retire if he is suspended.

He lost in the finals to China’s Chen Long in the Denmark tournament in late August and in the Asian Games in South Korea in September, he lost in the semi-finals to China’s Lin Dan.