Afghanistan MA & Tournament Cancellation

Clarification on the Afghanistan Badminton Federation

We were informed that on 17 August 2024, an email was sent to BWF Member Associations regarding the organisation of a badminton tournament in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The BWF wishes to clarify that it does not recognise the tournament organisers as the legitimate leadership for the Afghanistan Badminton Federation (ABF). Hence, this tournament, which did not include any Women’s events, was not sanctioned by the BWF.

It should be noted that BWF Member Associations should not participate in tournaments not sanctioned by the BWF, as these are not operated under the BWF regulations and integrity structures, including frameworks against doping and match manipulation.

The BWF continues to recognise the existing leadership of the ABF in exile, with Ms Mastora Arezo as President. This is in line with the position of the International Olympic Committee who continues to recognise the NOC that was elected before the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan (link).

Tournament Cancellation

Please note that the following tournament is cancelled:

• YONEX Israel Open 2024 – Future Series – 23-26 October 2024

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact Thomas Delaye (Head of Legal and Governance) at [email protected].