BWF elicits statements from Issara and Jongjit

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has begun disciplinary proceedings against both Bodin Issara and Maneepong Jongjit of Thailand in the aftermath of the violence that erupted during the men’s doubles final at last weekend’s Yonex Canada Open.  Only Issara and his partner Pakkawat Vilailak were disqualified from the final and the Canada Open title has been awarded to Jongjit and Nipitphon Puapuangpech, who have moved up to #13 in the world rankings as a result.

Although Vilailak was named in the disqualification by the umpire of the match, he is not the subject of any disciplinary action and it is instead Issara and Jongjit who have been asked to submit written statements to the BWF by July 30th.  Jongjit is charged under Sections 4.1, 4.14, and 4.16 of the BWF Players’ Code of Conduct, which relate to Inappropriate Conduct), Oral Abuse, and Unsportsmanlike Conduct, respectively.  Issara is also charged under Sections 4.1 , 4.14, and 4.16 and additionally under Section 4.15 (Physical Abuse), and 5.1 (Conduct contrary to the integrity of the game).

Should the players be found guilty, the penalties the BWF Disciplinary Committee could decide to impose range from a reprimand, to fines, to (possibly in the case of Jongjit) return of awarded prizes, and suspension ‘from all competitive events for such time as is seen fit, including possibly for life’.

A BWF press release on the matter also mentioned that the federation had forwarded letters, reports from tournament officials, and video footage of the incident to the Badminton Association of Thailand.