Rules for shuttlers wishing to play abroad finalized
Rules for shuttlers wishing to play abroad finalized
Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has imposed an
unprecedented transfer procedure that demands payment of a fee
for elite players who sign with foreign countries.
PBSI secretary-general Lutfi Hamid said on Thursday the new
policy took effect as soon as it had been issued on Wednesday
although the badminton body will only determine price levels,
definitely in US dollars, in a week's time.
"The transfer fee will compensate PBSI for its expenditure on
a player during her or his stay at the National Badminton
Center," Lutfi said, adding that the amount could reach
"thousands of dollars" depending on the player's world ranking.
The center, located in the East Jakarta suburb of Cipayung, is
home to around 70 players, both junior and senior, selected from
across the country. Apart from free accommodation, PBSI also
spends a lot on players' travel.
"Our lawyers are currently calculating the appropriate amount
for the transfer fees. Those with higher rankings will be valued
more highly," he said.
"Our lawyers are also studying all regulations related to
transfer issues."
The new policy also requires a player who moves overseas,
especially a world-class one, to maintain his or her commitment
to donning the national colors when needed.
"We want our best shuttlers to be ready to defend the country
in events like the Thomas and Uber Cups and the Southeast Asian
(SEA), Asian and Olympic Games," Lutfi said.
According to the new rules, a foreign badminton association
(BA) that is interested in signing an Indonesian player is
obliged to write to PBSI.
"It's a 'take it or leave it' offer. If the other BA failed to
meet our demands, we would not let our shuttlers go," Lutfi said.
On the shuttlers' side, Lutfi asked them to show sportsmanship
if they wanted to move to another country for whatever reason, be
it academic or to play for another country.
"PBSI will be more than happy if our shuttlers decide to move
overseas to continue their education. We will provide them all
the help and recommendations necessary," he said.
Many of Indonesia's best players have moved to foreign
countries, with some of them changing nationality. Top men's
singles player Taufik Hidayat could add to this exodus, following
his coach's move to Singapore.
"PBSI doesn't prohibit its shuttlers from moving to other
countries but they must follow the procedures. It has also become
a matter of pride for us that many of our shuttlers play abroad,"
Lutfi said.