Copenhagen: On Saturday, Anders Antonsen made both a big and a difficult decision.
Anders Antonsen has terminated the collaboration with his coach Joachim Persson with immediate effect.
The Danish badminton player has said goodbye to his now-former coach Joachim Persson, as Antonsen caught Persson betting on a badminton match.
This is what the Danish badminton player writes on Instagram:
“Dear all
I’m terminating my coaching agreement with Joachim
with immediate effect.
I’ve been trying to work out a way of communicating
this message which isn’t easy. Joachim and I has been
a successful player/coach constellation and therefore
this decision would raise eyebrows and questions. To
avoid unnecessary speculation and media digging for
answers, I wish to tell the story as it is right away.
The other day I by coincidence got to see my coach
placing bets on one match taking place in the arena.
As a coach of one player competing in the BWF, this is
a violation.
As a player competing in the BWF you’re obligated to
report such behavior as soon as it comes to your
knowledge. Failing not to report such information
would be a violation on the BWF code of conduct.
I want to distance myself from this behavior and
therefore the only option has been to report and
terminate our agreement.
Joachim has been my only coach since I went
independent. He has been a huge part of my comeback
story. We have traveled the world together. We have
fought crazy battles on the court together. We did
amazing and accomplished multiple tournament wins
together. I’ll always be grateful for the time we’ve
spent. So obviously I’m absolutely gutted and sick to
my stomach that this is the way our ways end.
I would like to clarify that I don’t know anything about
the duration of this behavior. I know about one single
incident of placing bets on a random match – but that
for me is enough. Also the match didn’t include
myself!
I’m now left in a very complicated situation. Without
coach and heading in to a very busy travel schedule
with tournaments and practice camps coming up. I’ll
do my best to solve the puzzle and move on as fast as I
can.
I wish to get some space to evaluate everything and I
hope the media will leave me alone for a little while.
I’ve said everything there is to say for now. Thanks
guys.”
View this post on Instagram
Joachim Persson has previously been sentenced to an 18-month ban from all tournaments and all functions related to badminton. He was convicted for breaking the rules regarding betting and irregular match results. The investigation was initiated in 2016, before a verdict was handed down in March 2019.
In connection with the large match-fixing investigation in 2016, the BWF tightened the rules. Players will be forbidden to play in any form of badminton match if they are affiliated with the BWF.
BWF writes in a statement that they are aware of Anders Antonsen’s statement and its content. The matter is now being investigated by the BWF’s integrity unit and they have no further comment at this time.
Although Anders Antonsen is not part of Badminton Denmark’s set-up, his decision to dismiss Persson does not change the cooperation Antonsen has with the Danish federation.
