All England Case, Citizen: Indonesia Masters, England Playing In Complex Field

Marcus Fernaldi Gideon/Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo (Photo: BWF Tour)

JAKARTA - No one doubts the militancy of Indonesian citizens. Especially with regard to favorite sports that can unite the nation and foster nationalism.

Being forced to withdraw from the Garuda team from the All England 2021 event is certainly painful. Good for players and fans alike. Moreover, there are many irregularities in the regulations made by the World Badminton Federation (BWF).

The BWF has always been hiding behind UK Government regulations regarding health protocols. In this regard, the National Health Service (NHS) policy concerns 'close contact'.

The Indonesian team is said to be on the same plane with an anonymous passenger who is positive for COVID-19. Marcus Gideon and his partners had to be isolated for 10 days as "close contact" from passengers whose names, addresses, and seat positions were unknown.

In a press release on its official website, BWF explained that the decision to carry out independent isolation for the Indonesian team for 10 days was made independently by the NHS Test and Trace.

This decision is in accordance with the UK government's COVID-19 terms and protocols in force in national legislation and is separate from the guidelines established by the BWF and Badminton England standard operating procedures for All England 2021.

They are trying to find a way to keep the Indonesian team participating in this tournament. However, the press release stated, 'the decision cannot be contested'.

🚨 UPDATE 🚨

Full release in 🇮🇩@BadmintonTalk @INABadminton #HSBCbadminton #BWFWorldTour #AllEngland2021 pic.twitter.com/2Y3eeMjyAg

— BWF (@bwfmedia) March 18, 2021

No doubt, netizens are annoyed with BWF's clarification. They were also outraged by Badminton England. One of the netizens branded them as an amateur committee.

"The amateur committee Tomorrow, Indonesia Masters, don't play at Istora, just play in the Complex field.

The amateur committee

Tomorrow Indonesia Masters don't lay at Istora, just play in the complex field.

Let those foreigners lose to the wind.

— akhir zaman (@angga26putra) March 18, 2021