KUALA LUMPUR – Lee Zii Jia’s 2-year ban is not a punishment, but a consequence of him breaching his contract with the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM), said a BAM insider.
“There is a clause in the contract that states severe measures will be taken by BAM if a player breaches the contract before it is over.
“If every player that the BAM nurtures and develops were to resign from as they wish, then that leaves the association in a very vulnerable position,” said the insider.
The person also added that sponsors have become jittery about their deals with BAM as the current top player will no longer be playing under them.
“This is the procedure that follows a breach of contract with BAM.
“It is not something new and the players know that there will be some sort of punishment if they decide to break the contract prematurely,” the insider said.
Yesterday, it was announced that Zii Jia would be banned from playing in any international tournaments for a duration of 2 years effective January 18, 2022.
However, Zii Jia still could appeal his suspension with BAM and resume playing badminton on the international stage if the ban is lifted.
The national body also banned former national women’s player Goh Jin Wei for 2 years. – The Vibes, January 22, 2022.
