KUALA LUMPUR: The BAM confirmed that Zulfadli Zulkiffli had sent in an official appeal today, seeking financial help from the national body after he was fined US$25,000 (RM98,000) by Badminton World Federation (BWF) for match-fixing.
The letter, handed in by Zulfadli himself, stated that the 25-year-old shuttler was unfairly tried by BWF, and that he needs help from BAM to ease his financial burden, as well as assist him with the appeal process.
BAM president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria, when contacted, said the national body will need time to look into the request, before making a decision.
"We received the letter from Zulfadli today (Monday). Since it's a very serious case, we will need some time to look into it.
"I will get BAM Rules and Disciplinary committee chairman, Datuk Seri Jabaherdeen (Mohamed Yunoos), to look into this. What I can say is it won't be easy. We will need time," explained Norza.
In a press conference on Friday, Zulfadli pleaded with BAM and the Sports Ministry for help, and accusing BWF of victimising him by charging him without solid evidence.
Apart from Zulfadli, who also received a 20-year ban, former Thomas Cupper Tan Chun Seang was also slapped with a 15-year ban and US$15,000 fine.