Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, Netherlands--Malaysian ace Lee Chong Wei appeared before a three-member Badminton World Federation panel Saturday for his long-awaited doping hearing, where the former world number one has vowed to clear his name.
A relaxed-looking Lee emerged after a six-and-a-half hour hearing behind closed doors with his London-based lawyer Mike Morgan telling journalists the panel "gave us a fair opportunity to present our case."
The BWF declined to comment, with the federation's Gayle Alleyne earlier telling AFP: "At the appropriate time, BWF will communicate as required."
However, an BWF official at the hearing said no verdict was expected on Saturday, as the panel needed several days to reach a finding and write their report.
"It's a highly technical issue," the official added at the sitting, held at a hotel near Amsterdam's Schiphol International Airport.
Lee, 32, who is one of Malaysia's most popular sports stars, tested positive for the banned anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone at last year's World Championships in Copenhagen, where he lost to China's Chen Long in the final.
If found guilty, he could face a career-ending two-year ban.
Lee said he received dexamethasone during stem cell treatment for a thigh injury in July last year.
He has maintained that he would retire if he were banned for two years.
On Saturday the soft-spoken Lee told reporters he expected a verdict "within two or three weeks" and thanked his fans for their support.
Lee also has the backing of the Badminton Association of Malaysia, with the BWF saying Lee was suspended "due to an apparent anti-doping regulation violation" while the panel considers whether he committed an offence.
AFP
