SINGAPORE, 26 Feb 2018:
Two Malaysian shuttlers are facing six charges each involving match-fixing activities – mostly in 2013, according to Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) observer Jadadish Chandra.
The first day of the Badminton World Federation’s hearing involving Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang = who were allegedly involved in match-fixing – kicked off here today.
“One of the tournaments was Korean Grand Prix,” said Jadadish to reporters after the hearing.
A BAM council member, Jadadish is also a key member of the national body’s rules, disciplinary and integrity committee.
He said the world body found out about the match-fixing activities involving the duo after a report was made by a player.
“It is not a Malaysian player and it has nothing to do with Danish players,” said Jadadish.
He noted that there were four witnesses from three different countries giving their statements today and another two tomorrow.
The hearing will continue tomorrow at 10am.
Asked on the hearing, Jadadish said: “I have no issue on the procedures. Panels are very independent. Panels are very fair. I expect justice will prevail. Players are very cooperative.
“Evidence involving the players will be presented tomorrow. The players did not give any statement at the session today. Tomorrow is the day for the defence. Lawyers representing the players will re-examine the witnesses.”
Jadadish noted that he did not foresee BWF will make their decision tomorrow as normally “the decision will be handed down by way of written award and they will give us the reason.”
Former world junior champion Zulfadli and ex-Thomas Cupper Tan are represented by two lawyers each at the two-day hearing.
The hearing is conducted by a three-member panel from the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
“They (the members of the panel) are from three different countries,” said Jadadish.
Meanwhile in GEORGE TOWN, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) said it will take stern action – including suspension for life – against any player found guilty of corruption or fixing matches.
Secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin said it would use existing laws enshrined in FAM’s regulations when taking action against those players involved.
“We have our (mode of) actions, if any of our players have a procedure, any player who is convicted, fixing a match, will be suspended for life.” No need to speculate, it is in the FAM rules.
“We need to see (the Sarawak football issue), the authorities have stepped in to take action, if that’s the decision we have to agree,” he told reporters after visiting former national Olympic football squad player, septuagenarian V. Krishnasamy at the Arumperumjothi Vallaral Centre here today.
On Feb 21, two Sarawak Football Association (FAS) players and a man, believed to be a ‘bookie’, were released on Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) bail at the Kuching magistrate’s court.
The three were earlier, remanded to facilitate investigations into a case linked to the ‘fixing’ of a Premier League match.
The FAS had previously received reports of players involved in match fixing after Sarawak lost 2-3 against Felcra FC on Feb 10, although Sarawak was ahead 2-0 in the first half.
Hamidin said FAM had handed the case over to the MACC and the authorities for investigation.
“We must understand the FAM has an integrity committee and security committee. However, when a team has lodged reports with the MACC and the police, we should leave it to the authorities concerned.”
Meanwhile, Krishnasamy, 70, who has been afflicted with diabetes over the last six years, hopes to meet up with his teammates of the 1972 football glory days.
“It should be fun if I can get together with my teammates and walk 10 minutes on the field. We had arranged meetings in the past but not in the last 10 years. I have not seen them for a long time,” he said.
Krishnasamy, who played in the 1972 Olympic Games, is currently undergoing treatment at the Arumperumjothi Vallaral Centre.
– Bernama