Lee Chong Wei Faces Possible 2-Year Badminton Ban After Failed Doping Test

Lee Chong Wei, the world's top-ranked badminton player and the winner of two straight Olympic silver medals, reportedly could be suspended for two years after failing a doping test at the world championships in August.

Eileen Ng of The Associated Press reports dexamethasone, a banned substance, was found in both samples taken during the test. He will now face the Badminton World Federation to challenge the findings.

Also included in the report are comments from Lee, who states the substance was injected as part of treatment for an injury a month before the world championships.

"I never cheated, nor will I ever rely on banned substances," he said. "I am a firm believer of hard work and effort to achieve success."

Mohamad Norza Zakaria of the Badminton Association of Malaysia confirmed the group was dealing with a potential ban but said in a press conference it believed the player was innocent.

"This player is a very dedicated player and an exceptional individual," he said during a press conference. "We believe this player has never resorted to shortcuts to achieve success."

The report didn't include a date for the BWF hearing for Lee and BAM.

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Lee has no shortage of accomplishments to his name. He's won more than 50 career titles, six total medals at the Olympic Games and world championships and numerous other awards at various events around the globe.

His status will be watched closely as he heads for the hearing. If handed the possible two-year ban, it would extend past the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. That would obviously be a major setback for the 32-year-old star as he seeks his first Olympic gold.

If Lee is unable to successfully argue his case in front of the BWF, it would create more opportunities for the other top players looking ahead toward Rio.