The BWF gives notice that under article 13.5 of the BWF Constitution, the BWF Council has suspended the follow BWF Member Associations: Royal Moroccan Badminton Federation and Kenya Badminton Association.

The cases and suspension of the each of these Members is not related. However, both cases involve competing groups who claim the leadership of the national badminton association in that territory. BWF has been working closely with each of the Members over a long period of time to resolve the on-going disputes within each of the Associations. The Council is hopeful of a timely resolution to the matters so that players can again compete in international competitions.

“In our last letter dated 25 November 2020, we gave a final deadline of 31 January 2021 for the Royal Moroccan Badminton Federation to organise fair and transparent elections in line with BWF requirements. As the above deadline approached, we received communications from each of the parties. However, we noted that no progress had been made towards elections,” wrote Thomas Lund, Secretary General of BWF, on letter to both parties of the confrontation. A copy of the letter was also sent to the Moroccan Olympic Committee and to the Ministry of Sports. 

The BWF Council noted that the dispute between the parties has lasted for almost two years and that there is no expectation to resolve the issue. This undermines article 5.4 of the BWF Constitution, which requires parties to have an effective election system. 

“While we regret having to take this important step, we remain available to help the parties mediate in good faith and agree on a binding roadmap towards inclusive elections,” offer Thomas Lund.

As per article 13.7 of the BWF Constitution, the matter will be on the agenda for the virtual AGM of 22 May, if a suspension still in effect: If a suspension of a Member is in effect at the date of a General Meeting, the General Meeting shall vote to confirm or remove the suspension, a simple majority of the Votes Cast being decisive. Such a vote may be transacted without the matter being previously put on the Agenda.