THE Badminton World Federation (BWF) confirmed yesterday that the match-fixing allegation involving a Malaysian bookie and two Danish players was the first such case in the history of the sport.
The Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR) had reported recently that two of Denmark’s leading players, Hans-Kristian Vittinghus and Kim Astrup told BWF that they had been approached by a Malaysian man through Facebook just before the Japan Open in June to fix a match.
It was reported that World No. 9 Vittinghus and doubles specialist Astrup were allegedly offered €2,500 (RM10,348) and €3,000 (RM12,400) respectively by the bookie.
The shuttlers subsequently rejected the offers and immediately reported the matter to the world body, through their “whistle-blower system”.
BWF, in a statement on Thursday, confirmed that it has never had such a case.
The world body lodged a report with the Malaysian police recently, and an investigation is now being carried out by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC).
Although only one case has been reported, it is believed that match-fixers have manipulated results in several tournaments over the last few years.
It is learnt that MACC has interviewed several individuals linked to the case.
According to sources, the prime suspect is an employee of a badminton equipment manufacturer and that the company sponsors several players on the international circuit.
Asia Badminton Confederation (ABC) president Tan Sri Nadzmi Salleh proposed the need to increase tournament prize money to eradicate match-fixing while BWF head Poul Erik Hoyer has brushed aside claim that corruption in the sport was more rampant in Asia.
Danish player Jan O Jorgensen told DR that although badminton is a popular sport, it does not offer lucrative prize money compared to tennis, motor racing and golf.
“Money is not particularly big for young talents and lower-ranking players in tournaments. Only the elite shuttlers have the opportunity to earn a lot in the sport,” said Jorgensen.
The World No 3 stressed that he has never been approached by match-fixers.