Source:Oriental Image/Jiang Xu
[Saba Sports News] On December 3, Danish badminton player Viktor Axelsen announced via social media that he would withdraw from the 2024 BWF Finals due to injury. With only a week remaining before the tournament, Axelsen’s decision sparked significant controversy. According to the official order of the BWF Finals, invitations for players meeting the finals’ qualification criteria were sent starting November 26, with registration closing on November 29, and final confirmation by noon on December 3. However, Axelsen announced his withdrawal at 5 PM on December 3, meaning no player could substitute in time for the finals. Since the first alternate was Chinese player Li Shifeng, some Chinese fans questioned whether Axelsen intentionally timed his withdrawal to prevent Li from substituting into the finals. However, shortly after Axelsen’s announcement, the BWF confirmed that Li Shifeng would replace him in the finals, thwarting Axelsen’s supposed “scheme.” The BWF also sent Axelsen an email demanding a medical certificate, warning of a fine for non-compliance, with strong wording. Axelsen expressed his anger on social media, condemning the BWF for not caring about the health of the players.