Malaysia badminton star Lee Zii Jia turns social media profiles black after being handed two-year ban
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Malaysia’s top shuttler Lee Zii Jia has seemingly made a silent protest by turning his social media profile pictures black, after being handed a two-year ban from competing in international events by the Badminton Association of Malaysia confirmed on Friday.
The No 1-ranked men’s singles player in the country had long expressed his intention to leave the Association, officially resigning as a national player on Wednesday.
After two days’ consultation, Association deputy president Jaharbedeen Mohd Yunoos confirmed Lee would not be permitted to play in any Badminton World Federation (BWF) events for two years, subject to appeal.
BWF rules have historically allowed for independent players, but they must be registered via their country’s member association, regardless of proximity to the national team.
“As per terms of his contract, after much difficult deliberation, [the Association] has reached the decision not to resister Lee Zii Jia for any international tournaments for a period of two years starting from January 18, 2022,” Yunoos said in a press conference, reiterating that it is not a “ban” but “we are not registering them”.