Thailand player, Bodin Issara, has been suspended for two years from all tournaments sanctioned by the Badminton World Federation while his compatriot, Maneepong Jongjit, has received a three-month ban.

This decision by the BWF’s Disciplinary Committee follows the two players’ involvement in an altercation while competing against each other in the Men’s Doubles final of last month’s Yonex Canada Open.

Both sanctions are effective from the date of the incident – Sunday 21 July – and the players have 21 days in which to appeal.

In addition, Issara will forfeit the world-ranking points and prize money earned from the said event.

The 22-year-old was found to have breached five sections of the BWF Players’ Code of Conduct: Sections 4.1 (Inappropriate Conduct); 4.14 (Oral Abuse); 4.15 (Physical Abuse); 4.16 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct) and 5.1 (Conduct contrary to the integrity of the game).

Jongjit (also age 22), was found guilty of breaching Sections 4.1 (Inappropriate Conduct); 4.14 (Oral Abuse) and 4.16 (Unsportsmanlike Conduct), after the Disciplinary Committee reviewed video footage and written evidence, including statements from both players, Thailand team officials and tournament officials.

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N.B. Section 5 of the BWF Judicial Procedures outlines the penalties for breaches of the Players’ Code of Conduct.

BWF Judicial Procedures: http://www.bwfbadminton.org/file_download.aspx?id=357884&tid=1

BWF Players’ Code of Conduct (Page 3 onwards): http://www.bwfbadminton.org/file_download.aspx?id=357882&tid=1

Text by Gayle Alleyne | BWF