The Dark Side Of Badminton: Unveiling Malaysia’s Betting Scandals
Betting scandals can occur in many shapes, but the most prominent is match-fixing. Match-fixing is the biggest problem that can occur while betting. It happens when a player or team performs poorly to change the match’s outcome. Match-fixing is a punishable offense, and it’s not taken lightly in court. Country officials regulate sports, so match-making is like obstructing a police officer while he is conducting an investigation.
Match-Fixing
In recent years, there was a big scandal regarding two Malaysian players named Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang. These two were under investigation for match-fixing that dates way back to 2013. Both of them were found guilty and convicted of their crimes. Zulfadli Zlkiffli, who was 25 at the time of conviction, got a 20-year ban on badminton and a $25,000 fine. Tan Chun Seang, who was 31 then, received a 15-year ban and was fined $15,000.
Their suspension started on 12 — June 2018. So, essentially this is a lifetime ban for both of them as their professional career can’t be re-ignited at the ages of 45 and 46. They haven’t played directly for the Badminton Association of Malaysia, but Tan Chung Seang was in the Malaysia team in the Thomas Cup in 2010.
Zulfadili Zulkiffli has beaten world champion Viktor Axelsen from Denmark in the World Junior Championship. So, they are both accomplished players and could have one of the best players, but they have chosen to cheat and fix matches. It wasn’t the only time that scandals occurred in badminton. Before them, in the 2012 Olympics, eight disqualified women’s doubles were disqualified because they were trying to lose, so they had an easier quarter-final. Also, in 2014, there was an investigation that the Badminton Association of Malaysia requested. They studied Kim Astrup and Hans-Kristian Vittingus, two Danish players. The research concluded that they were both approached by a man from Malaysia with the proposition to throw matches for monetary gain.
What Did The Badminton Association Of Malaysia Say?
The badminton association of Malaysia has stated that there would be no tolerance for match-fixers and cheaters. They have also said that many more officials would investigate anything in games and tournaments. And this is the right approach from the badminton association of Malaysia as the match-fixing doesn’t only hit the bettors but also big institutions. Also, badminton receives a lot of bad reputations if there are common scandals, so it’s better if these people are convicted and banned.
What Can You Do?
You must report it to the officials immediately if you think you have found someone or something out of place when watching a badminton match (or any other sport). This way, you don’t participate in any illegal activity, as in many countries, it’s illegal to bet on matches you know are fixed. Of course, it’s hard to prove, but it still is illegal. And please be considerate. There are times when underdogs win too.
Closing Thoughts
You don’t need to worry, as these scandals aren’t regular. As a bettor, you can rest assured that the governing officials are doing everything in their power to stop all the players and teams from cheating in any way possible. Rember to bet responsibly and never believe someone who tells you they know the game’s outcome or a guaranteed win.
