JAMES QUESTIONS ZULFADLI’S PAST
James says the banned Zulfadli had snubbed BAM several times
THE BAM are under no obligation to help the banned Zulfadli Zulkiffli as he has snubbed invitations from them several times to join the national team, says Datuk James Selvaraj.
THE BAM should not get involved by helping shuttler Zulfadli Zulkiffli with his appeal. This is the view of former international Datuk James Selvaraj after Zulfadli, banned 25 years and fined US$25,000 (RM98,000) by Badminton World Federation (BWF) for match-fixing, made an appeal to BAM.
James pointed out that BAM had invited Zulfadli several times in the past to join national training but the former world junior champion had snubbed them.
“With what face is he asking the BAM for help? The national body approached him several times in the past because of his talent, but he was never interested,” said James yesterday.
“He chose to follow his father (Zulkiffli Sidek) instead. Now, when he is in trouble, he seeks the aid of the BAM... so should BAM help him?”
James, a former BAM high performance director, pointed out that the statement by Zulfadli in a press conference on Friday — about gambling at a casino — didn't make sense at all.
Zulfadli had claimed that he was involved in a WhatsApp chat with fellow shuttler Tan Chun Seang about sponsorship and their activity at a casino, and that the texts from their WhatsApp conversation were not about match-fixing.
“As far as I know, the BAM have always had a rule on players visiting casinos during tournaments. They should not help him, especially, when he can openly admit to gambling. It would mean nothing for the BAM to help him, when they have a rule against it.”
James believes it would make more sense for BAM to help Chun Seang instead, who was banned 15 years and fined US$15,000 by BWF for the same offence — if he seeks help.
“Chun Seang was a former BAM player, and he had represented the country in the Thomas Cup (2010). It would make some sense if the BAM help him, but then again it’s completely their call.”