Badminton players, Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli, have been suspended from competing in badminton for 15 and 20 years respectively for breaching the BWF Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting, Wagering and Irregular Match Results.
The Malaysians have also been banned from any involvement in badminton for 15 and 20 years respectively. The bans cover administrative, coaching, officiating, or developmental functions. In addition, Tan has been fined US$15,000 while Zulkiffli has been fined US$25,000 by a BWF Ethics Hearing Panel.
In reaching their decision, the three-member independent Panel found that Tan committed 26 violations of the 2012 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results while Zulkiffli committed 27 violations of the 2012 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results and four (4) 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 Zulkiffli had “committed more violations over a longer timeframe than Tan” and had “been proven to have manipulated the results of four (4) matches”.
The suspensions begin from 12 January 2018 – the date on which both players were provisionally suspended by the Badminton World Federation.
Tan and Zulkiffli have the right to appeal under Clause 14 of the BWF Judicial Procedures.
Reasoned Decision: BWF Corporate website.
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