The Badminton World Federation (BWF) on Wednesday announced the punishments for two Malaysian players, Tan Chun Seang and Zulfadli Zulkiffli. They will be suspended from competing in badminton for 15 and 20 years respectively, according to BWF Corporate website.

The suspensions cover administrative, coaching, officiating, or developmental functions related to badminton. Tan has also been fined 15,000 US dollars while Zulkiffli has been fined 25,000 by a BWF Ethics Hearing Panel.

The accusations against the two players include betting, wagering and being involved in matches with irregular results. A three-member independent panel found that Tan and Zulkiffli committed 26 and 27 violations of the 2012 Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting Wagering and Irregular Match Results respectively, while Zulkiffli had another four violations of the 2016 Code of Conduct, the BWF said.

25-year old Zulfadli Zulkiffli won the men's singles championship at the 2011 BWF World Championships, becoming the first Malaysian player to get this title. Even the country's badminton legend, Lee Chong Wei, has high expectations for him. However, Zulkiffli refused to join Malaysia's national team and has been playing as a free-agent. The coming 25-year suspension may well put an end to his career in the sport.

By contrast, 31-year old Tan Chun Seang is currently working as a badminton coach in Australia and thus may not have much to lose in his sports career.

BWF said the suspensions will begin from Jan. 12 2018. Tan and Zulkiffli retain the right to appeal under Clause 14 of the BWF Judicial Procedures.