The Badminton World Federation (BWF) issued a clarification regarding the status of a badminton tournament in Kabul, Afghanistan, following an email sent to BWF Member Associations on 17 August 2024. The BWF has confirmed that it does not recognize the tournament organizers as the legitimate leadership of the Afghanistan Badminton Federation (ABF). As a result, this tournament, which notably excluded women’s events, was not sanctioned by the BWF.
The BWF emphasized that Member Associations should not participate in tournaments that are not sanctioned by the BWF. Such events do not adhere to BWF regulations and lack the integrity structures necessary to prevent doping and match manipulation.
The BWF reiterated its continued recognition of the ABF’s existing leadership in exile, with Ms. Mastora Arezo serving as President. This stance aligns with the International Olympic Committee’s position, which continues to recognize the National Olympic Committee (NOC) that was elected before the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan.
Tournament Cancellation
Additionally, the BWF announced the cancellation of the following tournament:
YONEX Israel Open 2024 – Future Series
Scheduled for 23-26 October 2024, this tournament will no longer take place.
