KUCHING: Malaysia will face Germany instead in the group stages of the Sudirman Cup next month following England's withdrawal from the tournament.
On Tuesday, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued a statement saying Germany have been promoted to join Malaysia and Japan in Group 1C after England pulled out of the competition, to be held in Gold Coast, Australia on May 21-28.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) technical director Morten Frost, when contacted to comment on the new development said: "I am happy it wasn't a redraw.
"Could have been too much considering the fact that only one team decided to not take part.
"Germany, however, are a strong fighting team and should not be taken lightly."
At the 2013 edition, host Malaysia failed to qualify for the knockout stages after going down 3-2 to Germany in their final group tie.
Malaysia had earlier lost 3-2 to Taiwan, and ended up last in the group.