The Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued the bans after an investigation into eight players who competed in lower-level international competitions, with all eight suspended in January 2020.

Three players were found to have been complicit in the illegal behaviour and have since been suspended from all badminton-related activities for life.

The five others have received various suspensions and fines. The former ranges from six to 12 years, with the latter ranging from RM12,127 to RM48,510 ($3,000 to $12,000).

In addition to the eight athletes, a Malaysian citizen has also been banned from all badminton-related activity for life, having been investigated by the BWF Integrity Unit for a number of years.

A representative of an equipment brand that sponsors international badminton players, the individual had “abused his position of influence as an executive in a sporting brand” by approaching international badminton athletes and offering them money to manipulate matches.

“Both cases involved whistleblowers who reported information to the BWF about corrupt behaviour including approaches to fix a match or to manipulate part of their match for money,” the BWF said.

As per the judicial procedures, the athletes and the individual have the right to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport within 21 days.