KUALA LUMPUR: Apacs Malaysia, the company that sponsors Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang, is not taking any drastic action yet.
Apacs will wait for the appeal process to conclude before making a decision on their sponsorship of the duo who have been found guilty of match-fixing.
Its general manager Jabbery Lim said no decision on the matter has been made so far as Apacs hopes to discuss the issue with the two players.
"They have been involved in badminton since childhood. It will be hard for them to have a normal life if they are not part of the sport anymore," said Jabbery, when contacted today.
Jabbery disclosed that Chun Seang has been with the brand since 2011 while Zulfadli came on board in 2015.
"They have helped us a lot in terms of promotion and support. They have renewed their contracts with us a number of times.
"We have to discuss this matter with them. We do not want to disturb them before a decision (on their appeals) is made.
"They still have a chance to appeal and ask for their bans to be reduced.
"Zulfadli has not completely quit the sport, he continues to train as usual while Chun Seang is coaching in Melbourne."
Jabbery disclosed that Apacs had delayed contract discussions with Zulfadli and Chun Seang until a final outcome on the case.
“We might contact them after this and ask about their contracts. Then we will make a decision, including the possibility of ending their sponsorship.”
Jabbery said he felt sad about what has happened to both the players. Chun Seang has been suspended for 15 years while Zulfadli has been slapped with 20 years under the BWF disciplinary code.
"Not being able to coach or be involved in any badminton activities is very sad. They have been badminton players since young. What work are they going to do if their academic results were not good.”