The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has officially suspended the Badminton Association of Maldives (BAM), citing concerns over third-party interference and unresolved governance issues. The decision was communicated to the Maldives Olympic Committee (MOC), which has since informed the public.
The suspension follows months of uncertainty surrounding the association’s leadership. Despite the expiration of its executive committee’s term over a year ago, no new elections have been held. Additionally, mandated amendments to BAM’s governing regulations remain unimplemented.
In response to the leadership vacuum, the MOC and the Maldives Commissioner of Sports recently established a three-member ad hoc committee to oversee the association’s affairs. This move came after BAM’s national status was also revoked. The committee is tasked with facilitating governance reforms and preparing the organization for new elections.
According to the BWF, the suspension stems from what it classifies as “third-party influence” in the internal operations of the national body. The global governing body had previously recommended the formation of a three-member interim committee, with representatives from the local badminton community and a legal expert. Although the MOC and the Commissioner of Sports supported the suggestion, no consensus was reached on its implementation.
Efforts were made to seek further guidance from BWF, but amid delays and consultations, the Maldives authorities moved forward with forming the current ad hoc committee.
The suspension is expected to impact the Maldives’ ability to participate in BWF-sanctioned events and access related funding until the association’s autonomy and proper governance structures are restored.
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