Source: REUTERS/Hamad I Mohammed
[Saba Sports News] According to Danish media TV2, just before the 2024 Korea Badminton Open, Danish badminton star Anders Antonsen discovered that his coach Joachim Persson was involved in betting activities and subsequently dismissed him to compete alone. It is reported that Antonsen accidentally found out about Persson’s involvement in betting; although the bets did not directly involve his matches, such behavior severely violates sports ethics and professional conduct. Antonsen took immediate action by terminating his collaboration with Persson and proactively reporting the matter to the Badminton World Federation (BWF). Antonsen stated that despite Persson having provided him with much help and guidance, as an athlete, he could not tolerate any form of betting behavior as it tarnishes the spirit of sports. In 2012 at the London Olympics, several badminton match-fixing scandals occurred when four pairs of women’s doubles players were condemned by global public opinion for deliberately losing matches. The BWF quickly responded by expelling these four pairs from competitions. Subsequently, the BWF began to crack down on match-fixing and betting activities vigorously. According to regulations, every individual involved in badminton is under management oversight, including everyone related to the sport. If someone knows about illegal betting activities but fails to report or cooperate with investigations, they will also be deemed in violation of regulations and may face penalties ranging from several years of suspension to a lifetime ban.