SPONSORS AWAIT BWF’S DECISION

Apacs to take action on alleged match-fixing players after investigations

SPORTS equipment maker Apacs confirmed that two Malaysian players suspended by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) over match-fixing allegations are sponsored by them.

Apacs Malaysia manager Jabbery Lim said while his company is aware of the matter, they will only take action after a final decision is reached by BWF on the allegations.

The two players are expected to attend a hearing at a panel selected by BWF on Feb 26-27 in Singapore.

“We are aware of the allegations but we will wait for the investigation to finish first. When the BWF have reached a decision, only then we will consider the next course of action,” said Jabbery yesterday.

“For now, they remain players sponsored by Apacs.”

Jabbery declined to reveal the names of the players involved but among the independent Malaysian players sponsored by Apacs are 2011 world junior champion Zulfadli Zulkiffli, Tan Chun Seang, Lim Khim Wah and Nur Azryn Ayub.

Jabbery did not exclude the possibility that the sponsorship may be rescinded should the two players be found guilty.

“If they are banned for life and can no longer play, then we may end the sponsorship. This is because they can no longer promote our brand at international level,” said Jabbery, who added that the players’ contract run to the end of 2018.

NSTP Sports revealed in an exclusive on Tuesday that an independent Malaysian player is being investigated by BWF for match-fixing activities.

The BA of Malaysia (BAM) confirmed on Wednesday that not one, but two players have been provisionally suspended by BWF last month and barred from tournaments until the investigation is completed.

This is the first time Malaysian players have been implicated in a BWF investigation into matchfixing.

Any player found guilty of fixing matches face a life ban from BWF.