KUALA LUMPUR: Disgraced shuttlers Zulfadli Zulkiffli and Tan Chun Seang do not need to settle their fines first before filing appeals against their suspensions with the Badminton World Federation (BWF).
Zulfadli and Chun Seang were suspended 20 and 15 years and also fined US$25,000 (RM98,000) and US$15,000 (RM59,000) respectively by BWF recently for fixing matches.
BA of Malaysia (BAM) president Datuk Seri Norza Zakaria said both players can file their appeals even if they have not paid their fines.
"BWF informed us about it. The fine, however, must be settled once the appeal process is done.
"With that, Zulfadli and Chun Seang, can go ahead with the assistance of their legal team," said Norza on Friday.
Norza disclosed that BAM will appoint a lawyer to observe the appeal process.
"We are not appointing a lawyer to defend the players, instead we want our lawyer to observe the appeal hearing process. We want a fair hearing. Zulfadli will still have to appoint his own lawyer.
"Before this, Zulfadli had accused BWF of an unfair trial. We just want to see him get a fair hearing," added Norza.