IBF sets recommendation on shuttler transfers

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

The executive council of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) finally issued a recommendation over shuttler transfers to other countries on Friday as a response to Indonesia's proposal.

"The recommendation may include the revision of existing rules on shuttler transfers and set a new precedent. It will be done at IBF's next meeting in Guangzhou, China in May," chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), Chairul Tanjung was quoted as saying by Antara from Melbourne, Australia.

"The recommendation stipulates that a shuttler must have the nationality of the country he or she represents for team events, such as Thomas and Uber Cups, and multisports events such as the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games," he said.

Chairul also said the recommendation stated that nationality had to be acquired through legal naturalization instead of special treatment or any other privileges.

"Shuttler movements will become inevitable in the future as badminton turns into a fully professional sport. This calls for clear terms and conditions involving both clubs," he said.

"The agreement between both clubs also must be approved by both Badminton Associations (BA)."

Indonesia's proposal for better regulations on shuttler transfer was incited by Taufik Hidayat's signing of a contract with the BA of Singapore without the consent of his former club, Bandung-based SGS, or the PBSI.

PBSI has invited SBA officials to discuss the matter especially on Taufik's transfer fee, which could jump to some US$40,000, but the invitation had not yet gotten a response from SBA officials.

Taufik has been prevented from taking part in the All England tournament and the Swiss Open pending his status.

Seven Indonesian-born shuttlers successfully transferred to Singapore before Taufik signed his ill-fated contract.

Earlier, China also proposed similar regulations to tackle the transfer issues but got no attention from the IBF.