On Wednesday 2 September 2020 it was announced that the former Badminton Europe President and current BWF President was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease some years ago.

Poul-Erik Høyer has been receiving medical treatment for the condition and with the assistance of doctors has continued to fulfil his duties as BWF President and IOC Member without limitation.

- I feel now is an appropriate time to make this news public. In a recent news article, I made the decision to disclose the exact detail of my condition that until now I have kept private for personal reasons. Medical science has come a long way in dealing with Parkinson’s disease, and I feel very little impact of the disease in all areas of my day to day life, Høyer stated in a Press release from BWF.

- My full efforts are totally focused on leading the Badminton World Federation and fulfilling my role as IOC Member. I would like to thank the badminton and sporting community for their ongoing support and I look forward to leading the BWF as we plan for our safe return to international badminton, he added.

The President of Badminton Europe, Peter Tarcala, was deeply affected by the news of the medical condition of Poul-Erik Høyer.

- I have known Poul-Erik for a long time, and consider him both as a colleague and a friend. To hear about his condition touched me deeply even if I am sure that Poul-Erik is not looking for sympathy but will fight to keep the disease at a distance.

- I have full confidence in Poul-Erik, and his ability to lead the BWF, in the years to come, and in his judgement to decide when it is time to step aside. I have already assured him that he has my full support.