Suspended world No.1 Lee Chong Wei is only allowed to show his skills at the Badminton Thai Glory to the King at Bangkok's Indoor Stadium tomorrow, organisers said yesterday.
The 32-year-old Malaysian was originally scheduled to play an exhibition match against long-time rival Lin Dan of China at the event to celebrate His Majesty the King's birthday.
However, he is serving a provisional suspension for doping, pending a final decision by the Badminton World Federation (BWF), and cannot play in an exhibition match.
"The BWF earlier advised Lee Chong Wei that during a provisional suspension, it is possible to make appearances [autograph signing and similar events] if the player chooses to do so," said BWF secretary-general Thomas Lund in a letter to the organisers.
"And this could also include demonstrating technical skills, but cannot in any way be any activity connected to competitive match play during the event.
"I can confirm that a short technical skill session can of course be with a player feeding Lee Chong Wei."
Lund added: "The BWF fully appreciates the nature of the event, the Badminton Thai Glory to the King 2014, being for charity and in support of His Majesty the King, who has done a lot for badminton.
"However, anti-doping cases are very serious and the BWF was obligated to strictly apply the rules and procedures around the cases."
There will also be mixed doubles and men's doubles matches at the event.
In the mixed doubles, world No.4 Ahmad Tontowi and Natsir Liliyana of Indonesia, who won the world title last year, will meet Kunchala Voravichitchaikul and Songphol Anugrityawon.
In the men's doubles, Bodin Issara and Pakkawat Vilailak will take on Indonesia's Hendra Setianwan and Mahammad Ahsan, ranked second in the world.