An experienced local coach has alleged that match-fixing is nothing new in badminton.
“It has been going on for ages. Match-fixing is like ‘cancer’ and it has taken root in badminton. It is now a money-making sport for bookies and sadly some players are actively involved in it,” said the coach yesterday.
“Coaches have informers and they inform us whether our players are selling matches, and shockingly, 80 per cent of the information is true.”
“It is tough to monitor unless we deny the players internet access and also confiscate their phones before tournaments.
“Bookies and players can correspond through the internet. Furthermore, there are also many online betting websites.”
The coach is responding to a report on www.dr.dk (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) that two Danish players were approached by a Malaysian bookie at the Japan Open in June.
The shuttlers subsequently rejected the offers and reported the matter to the Badminton World Federation (BWF). The coach also revealed that most of the fixing is done in men’s singles and doubles.
“I also know some coaches who are involved in fixing matches. Bookies have also tried to approach me several times but I avoided them.
“It is hard to stop this menace as there is a lot of money in badminton. I don’t think match-fixing can be eradicated. The only thing the authorities can do is minimising it.” said the ex-international.
The coach disclosed that match-fixing mostly occurs in the top tier - the Super Series and Premier Series.
“It happens a lot. As an ex-international, I sometimes feel frustrated when my player unexpectedly loses or is taken to three games by a lowly opponent. Players who sell matches are not patriotic and I hope they will be caught for it.
“I am unsure whether match-fixing occurs in the Olympics, World Championships and Asian Games. According to my sources, it does not happen much in priority tournaments,” added the coach.
The BA of Malaysia, in a statement yesterday, said: “There is always a possibility of match-fixing in badminton as the sport is growing into a large industry.
“We have already started some educational process with our players and coaches. This is vital to instill awareness on the adverse effect of match-fixing.
“We have been cooperating with BWF to curb this menace. We shall introduce further initiatives in developing governance in this sport.”