Match-fixing hearing on Feb 26-27

hearing for the two professional shuttlers linked to an alleged match-fixing scandal has been set for Feb 26-27 in Singapore.

According to a source, each of the players will have to face a panel appointed by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) separately.

If found guilty, both the players can be banned for life.

On Tuesday an exclusive report by New Straits Times Sport rocked the local sports scene when it revealed that a professional player - who has played in major tournaments such as the All England and World Championships - was involved in match fixing.

A day later, BAM confirmed that not one but two independent players have been provisionally suspended from all competitions, pending an investigation by the world governing body.

This is the first time that Malaysian players have been linked directly to match-fixing.

It is learnt that BWF have been monitoring these players for a while, before writing to BAM last December, informing the national body of the players and the processes they will have to go through.

National men’s singles head coach Misbun Sidek said yesterday that the act of fixing matches is similar to that of selling the country.

“It is shameful. For me, when you play for the country, you do your best. If you can manipulate matches, then it is no different than selling your county. I cannot stand a disgraceful act such as this,” said Misbun.