KUALA LUMPUR, May 2 — Malaysian badminton players Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli have been suspended for 15 and 20 years, respectively, after the Badminton World Federation (BWF) found both guilty of match-rigging.
The BWF announced the penalties today in a statement on its website.
According to the governing body for world badminton, the two may not participate in any activities related to the sport, ranging from active competition to even basic coaching.
“In addition, Tan has been fined US$15,000 (RM58,897) while Zulkiffli has been fined US$25,000 by a BWF Ethics Hearing Panel,” the federation said.
BWF said an independent panel found Tan guilty of 26 breaches of the federation’s 2012 rules on betting, wagering and match irregularities while Zulfadli committed 27 violations of the same along with an additional four infractions under the 2016 edition of the guidelines.
The panel determined that both shuttlers had “engaged in corruption offences over a significant period and a significant number of tournaments” dating back to 2013.
It singled out Zulfadli as the heavier offender, however, saying he engaged in such corrupt activities for a longer period and was believed to have rigged four matches.
The bans take effect from January 12, when the BWF first suspended the duo for the disciplinary hearing.
Both shuttlers still have the option to appeal their lengthy bans, the BWF added.
