KUALA LUMPUR: The two professional shuttlers, who are under investigation by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) for match-fixing, have appointed lawyers to defend themselves, it is learnt.
The duo are set to attend the BWF hearing in Singapore on Monday and Tuesday.
According to a source, it is necessary for the two players to appoint lawyers to defend themselves as their livelihoods are at stake.
If they are severely punished by the BWF, the two players risk losing everything as their badminton careers are on the line.
"BWF are very serious. In fact, this is the first time they are dealing directly with a match-fixing case.
"Based on BWF's rules and regulations, players found guilty of manipulating matches will be banned for life. This will put them in a very difficult situation.
"All this while, badminton has been their main source of income. They also support their families financially. If they can’t play anymore, how are they going to earn a living? Their names will be tarnished," said the source.
Last week , NSTP Sports revealed that a shuttler, who has played in major tournaments such as the All England and World Championships, is under investigation for match-fixing allegations.
The BA of Malaysia later confirmed that not one but two professional shuttlers have been suspended provisionally from all competitions, pending an investigation.
The source added that BWF are said to have enough evidence to charge both the shuttlers.
"Usually when BWF call for a hearing, they are at least 75 per cent ready with evidence to charge those at fault. It is now up to the expertise of the two appointed lawyers to help get their clients out of this mess."
It is understood that some of the evidence obtained by BWF include text messages from the players' phones, which suggest match-fixing deals.
However, the lawyers could still challenge the claims if BWF had no permission from the authorities to take possession of the players' phones.