Chun Seang wants BWF to review match-fixing charge

FORMER international Tan Chun Seang (pic) will finally make an appeal to the Badminton World Federation (BWF) to review their decision and punishment on him for match-fixing.

Chun Seang and another Malaysian, Zulfadli Zulkiffli, were banned 15 years and 20 years respectively for match-fixing last month. They were fined US$15,000 (RM59,000) and US$25,000 (RM98,000).

The Melbourne-based Chun Seang sent a press statement yesterday through his counsel Kitson Foong.

“Following the decision by the BWF to find me guilty and sanction me on April 27, I have this morning instructed my counsel, Mr Kitson Foong, to file an appeal to BWF against both the decision and sanction.

“I have full confidence that the BWF appeal panels will ensure that I receive an impartial hearing and a fair maximum reevaluation of the case brought against me.

“I look forward to the panel granting me the opportunity to fully present my appeal in accordance with the universally recognised principles of procedural fairness practised by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.”

He stated that the press release was prepared by his counsel and approved by him.

Chun Seang will not have to pay the fine first – not until all avenues of appeal, including up to the centre of the CAS in Switzerland are exhausted.

Said Kitson: “It’s an appeal against not only the finding of guilt but also the severity of the sanctions.”

Chun Seang is the second person to make the appeal, following Zulfadli’s appeal through the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) last week.