As concerns have been raised about the legitimacy of certain withdrawals in recent tournaments, it warrants the Badminton World Federation (BWF) as the governing body of the sport to put in place firm measures that will serve to protect both our players and Member Associations from speculation in relation to withdrawals and matches between players from the same country.

To achieve this position, the following measures have been decided upon the meeting of a threeman panel, Paisan Rangsikitpho, Gregory Verpoorten, and Kaveh Mehrabi, who reported to the Executive Board at the on-going World Championships in London, and will therefore be implemented with immediate effect in all level 2 and above tournaments:

(i) A special assessment will be conducted for any main draw matches between players from the same country. This will include special focused monitoring by the tournament referee or other BWF officials, whereby all of these matches from the quarterfinals onwards (and possibility of earlier stages) will be taped to ensure necessary documentation is on hand if
irregularities are suspected and flagged for a review by the BWF disciplinary committee.

(ii) In the event of a request for withdrawal against a player(s) from the same country, a local tournament doctor will be appointed to diagnose and certify the player(s) unfit to compete.

(iii) Similar measures can be applied for any other tournament deemed necessary. But BWF will, for all international tournament levels, ensure a focused monitoring process on all matches between players from the same country to eliminate potential speculation.

(iv) If compelling evidence is found of any irregularities, the matter will be treated with the utmost gravity by the BWF and severe penalties will be imposed.

The BWF is also constantly reviewing possible changes to the rules to increase awareness of the importance for our players who are facing recurring health or injuries issues to exercise utmost excellence in undergoing complete rest and recovery before participating in any tournaments.

While it is regrettable and understandable that players have to withdraw from tournaments from time to time due to health conditions or injuries, but the BWF equally believe that players must exercise the highest level of professionalism to protect the interests of the viewing public.

In closing, these measures are duly acknowledged by the Athletes Commission chairman Kaveh Mehrabi to be protective of the interests of our players, and should any irregularities, appeals and contentions surface, these cases will be referred to the BWF Disciplinary Committee for review.

Any new regulations will have to be discussed and passed through BWF Council before effected.