PETALING JAYA: Any national player planning to leave the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) before their contract ends may have to think twice, as they could be required to pay substantial compensation.
BAM secretary Datuk Kenny Goh said the clause is already included in players’ contracts with the association.
However, BAM are currently reviewing the clause to ensure it is fair to both the association and the players.
“The current contracts state that if players resign before the end of their contract, they must pay compensation to BAM,” said Kenny.
“The amount will depend on their world ranking.
“Alternatively, BAM will not register them for any international tournaments for two years.”
The compensation payable by players who leave the national set-up before their contracts expire is expected to range between RM300,000 to RM500,000.
The proposal will be tabled at the next BAM council meeting in May.
Women’s doubles player Go Pei Kee can breathe easy as her departure from the national squad in January will not result in any action.
Former Olympic bronze medallist Lee Zii Jia and women’s singles player Goh Jin Wei were previously handed two-year suspensions after their shock exits from BAM in 2022, but the bans were later lifted and the matter resolved amicably without any penalties.
