The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) has set up a task force after the Chinese trio of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng boycotted the rankings following a new rule update.
The new rule stated that players who did not participate in World Table Tennis (WTT) events could be fined US$5,000.
In a statement, released by the world governing body of table tennis on Friday, it said, “fully committed to creating a supportive environment for players’ well-being and fostering open dialogue within the entire table tennis community”.
Adding, “players, their entourage and coaches, as well as related ITTF bodies” would be consulted extensively, and it would hold a players’ forum at the World Table Tennis’ Singapore Smash 2025 from January 30 to February 9, where concerns could be raised”.
The members of the task force include Sharath Kamal Achanta, co-chair of the ITTF Athletes Commission; the ITTF’s executive vice-presidents Alaa Meshref and Wahid Oshodi; World Table Tennis (WTT) executive director of events Mounir Bessah; and Polona Cehovin, the WTT head of player relations.
Liu Guoliang, the president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association (CTTA), who is also the ITTF deputy president and the chairman of the WTT council, showed his support for the players and said that he would push the global bodies to amend the rules.
In response to ITTF’s move, the WTT said in a press release, “As the global professional platform for our sport, WTT recognises the vital role players, coaches, and teams play in shaping the future of table tennis
“The creation of this task force ensures that their voices are not only heard but are integral to the decision-making process. The players’ forum will provide an essential opportunity for open and constructive dialogue, underscoring the importance of transparency and inclusivity in our sport.”