KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Disgraced shuttler Zulfadli Zulkifli claimed today that the Badminton World Federation (BWF) panel that suspended him for 20 years did not definitively prove he was involved in fixing matches.
“I asked them repeatedly during the hearing which particular match they claimed I threw and the answer never came,” Zulfadli asserted at a press conference at One World Hotel business centre this afternoon.
“I was questioned by a former Scotland Yard investigator named, Paul Scotney, who wouldn't or couldn't tell me which matches I fixed. When Scotney was cross-examined, he said there was no need to investigate the issue further as he was of the opinion I was guilty of match fixing”
Zulfadi then asked how he was meant to defend himself when the investigator would not specify his specific offences.
He claimed another witness, an Indian player, told the hearing that Zulfadi did not make any direct suggestions or offers, and that he only reported the matter as a precaution.
Zulfadi urged the Badminton Association of Malaysia and the Youth and Sports Ministry to intercede on his behalf.
The BWF announced yesterday that it suspended Zulfadi and Tan Chun Seang for 20 and 15 years, respectively, after concluding that both breached its rules on betting and match irregularities.
Both are prohibited from involvement in any activities related to the sport.
The BWF said, however, that both have the option to appeal.
