PETALING JAYA: Indonesia’s world No. 13 mixed doubles pair Jafar Hidayatullah-Felisha Pasaribu have come under the spotlight following an alleged match-fixing investigation involving several Indonesian players.
Although there has been no official confirmation linking the pair to the case, their withdrawal from the tournament has fuelled speculation.
The Indonesian Badminton Association (PBSI) secretary-general Ricky Soebagdja said in a statement that Jafar-Felisha, as well as another mixed doubles pair, Adnan Maulana-Indah Cahya Sari Jamil, had been withdrawn as part of adjustments to Indonesia’s squad for the World Championships.
While PBSI did not disclose the reason behind the changes, they confirmed that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) are currently conducting independent judicial proceedings over alleged integrity breaches involving several Indonesian players.
“The decision is part of the organisation’s efforts to ensure that all administrative processes and athlete participation in international tournaments are carried out in accordance with the applicable regulations and procedures.
“Separately, PBSI are aware that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) are currently conducting independent judicial proceedings over alleged integrity breaches involving several Indonesian players.
“PBSI respect and fully support the mechanisms implemented by the BWF as part of their efforts to safeguard the integrity of badminton, while also respecting the independence of the ongoing proceedings,” said Soebagdja.
The association said they would not comment further while the proceedings remain ongoing and urged all parties to refrain from speculation until the BWF Independent Hearing Panel issues their decision.
Adnan-Indah withdrew from the World Championships on July 13, while Jafar-Felisha followed suit on July 29.
Despite the withdrawals, Indonesia will still be represented by two mixed doubles pairs at the World Championships, led by Amri Syahnawi-Nita Violina Marwah, while Rehan Kusharjanto-Gloria Widjaja have been promoted from the reserve list.
