‘My son is victim of an unfair trial’

Zulkiffli’s father, Zulkiffli Sidek, has claimed that his son is a victim of an unfair trial by the Badminton World Federation (BWF).

As a father and coach, Zulkiflli is certain his son is innocent of all the charges made against him, as he will not do anything to shame his family and country.

“As his coach, father and head of the family, I am extremely sad and disappointed with what has happened to us.

“My son is a victim of this situation. There is something terribly wrong (with the case).

“You (BWF) charge someone without solid evidence, during the hearing in Singapore.

“Though I wasn’t inside, I know that the lawyers had answered to all your charges. But when asked which match in particular was fixed, you say that the evidence is not necessary.

“I am sad that my son is a victim of this unjust trial. From a young age, I have raised him to be a Malaysian player.

“Though we were always outside of the national setup (BAM), we proved that we can do it based on my coaching experience overseas. My dream was to see my son become a Malaysian champion.

“I’m devastated, because after everything we’ve done for the country, including winning the world junior title (2011), my son is played out like this.

“I will admit that I shed tears of joy, when my son became the first Malaysian boys’ singles champion at the World Junior Championships, and the Negaraku was played,” said Zulkiffli.

Zulkiffli assured that he will not give up on his son, and will fight till the end.

“With the help of God, I will fight with everything I have (to uphold the truth).”

Zulfadli, 25, was found guilty of breaching the BWF’s Code of Conduct in Relation to Betting, Wagering and Irregular Match Results, and has been slapped with a 20-year ban, as well as a US$25,000 (RM98,000) fine.