Players lash out at BWF after match-fixing issue in 2012 London Olympics – Badminton News
Many international shuttlers opened fire at Badminton World Federation (BWF) for its inability to stop match-fixing even in the badminton events at the prestigious London Olympics.
Though, there was no betting involved in these matches and concerned authorities termed this as “match-throwing” practice but still international community declared it a shame for the governing body.
The Chinese, Koreans and Indonesian shuttlers were charged for this dirty game as all of them tried to lose their matches in group stages just to ensure a favourable draw in the knockout rounds of the mega event.
Men’s Singles expert Marc Zwiebler raised voice against these contenders and condemned them for such shameful conduct which damaged the image of game in esteemed event like Olympics.
He said, "I can understand the motives but that they have the guts to actually stand in a crowded hall and put such shame in the game, it's such a bad image for badminton."
The German also mentioned 2008 Thomas Cup when Korea deliberately lost a match against England to avoid strong opponents in the finals.
He stated that BWF did not react in time which encouraged all the stake holders to employ such tricks in other international tournaments.
Moreover, the Athens Olympics silver-medallist Gail Emms of Great Britain also lashed out at international body and expressed that new Olympic format provided these campaigners loop-holes to manipulate.
She asserted that old knock-out round system should be restored to ensure quality competitions in the future.
Emms said, "Simple solution - NEVER have groups for badminton again. It's always knockout so keep it that way! Then every match demands effort."
Meanwhile, BWF events committee chairman Paisan Rangsikitpho also shared his views and vowed to probe this matter while apologising to the badminton lovers for such regrettable experience.
He said, “This is a shame and I don't like it. It is (embarrassing) at the Games. I apologise to the public, I apologise for everyone and I am not happy. It's not in a good spirit."
However, Bulgarian singles player Alesia Zaitsave laughed at this statement and stated that world federation has failed in the past as they could not stop Chinese shuttlers from conceding suspicious walkovers and losing matches deliberately.
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