This was confirmed by the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) at a press conference today.
Earlier this week, Zii Jia, who is the national No 1, resigned from BAM.
Zii Jia is currently ranked No 7 in the world by the Badminton World Federation.
According to BAM’s second deputy president and legal committee chairman, Jahaberdeen Mohamed Yunoos, after submitting his resignation letter, Zii Jia had actually submitted fresh terms in order to continue his career with the national body.
“He wanted his own team of coaches and support service, plan his own tournaments, and source his own sponsors,” Jahaberdeen said.
“However, after much deliberation, BAM decided to reject it because his requirements were unrealistic and impossible to be fulfilled.”
BAM instead offered Zii Jia several lucrative incentives that included monetary benefits in recognition of his talent and in consideration of the fact that BAM had nurtured him since he was 13 years old.
“Unfortunately, Zii Jia did not reconsider,” Jahaberdeen said.
“All players in BAM are contracted and there are implications behind it. To train and nurture players require funds that come from grants and sponsors.
“So, with that in mind and also as per the terms of his contract, BAM had to reach a decision to not register Zii Jia for any international tournaments for the period of two years effective Jan 18.”
Jahaberdeen said Clause 7 of the contract allows BAM to take several punitive measures in the event a player wants to leave the national training centre.
“There’s no such thing as resign from BAM. You can only withdraw from the national training centre, and there are punitive measures that will be taken if you do so,” he said.
“However, if they appeal, they may be allowed to play. There is still space and opportunity to serve the country at any time.
“We are disappointed but we’ve got to move on. BAM are much bigger than any single player, it is in the national interest.”
Jahaberdeen added that the ban only applies to tournaments where BAM have to register a roster of players.
“The players can go ahead and play independently in other tournaments,” he said.
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