On May 2 the Ethic Hearing Panel of Badminton World Federation (BWF) slapped a 20-year ban on the Malaysian Badminton Star Zulfadli Zulkifli for actual and attempted match- and point-fixing" which was "for the purposes of betting”. He apologized to his fans but also insisted that he is innocent.  Zulfadli Zulkifli addressed the press and spoke about the issue.

“I would like to humbly apologize to all Malaysians, my family, and my fellow badminton players for the shame and humiliation the BWF decision against me has brought to others,” said Zulfadli. “I am not apologising for match-fixing for I did not do it. I am apologising because of the decision of BWF against me. I am not admitting to the charges against me,” he stated further.

The shuttler also said that he will be seeking help from Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) and Youth and Sports Ministry for paying the fine and also to appeal to the body. Ethic Hearing Panel of Badminton World Federation also served a 15-year long ban on Tan Chun Seang similar offence.

Prior to the conference, Zulkifli said he was willing to share his side of the story. “It's time that I tell my side of the story. Fortunately, BWF did not have the power to pronounce death sentence — or else I am sure they would have preferred that option. It’s not about the punishment alone — the question is — did I carry out the alleged crime — was I fairly tried — I'm of the opinion that in the absence of evidence I was found guilty. It’s through this tribunal I learnt that human rights is not recognized,” he said back then.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 04, 2018 02:59 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).