KUALA LUMPUR – It appears that former national shuttler Lee Zii Jia’s sudden departure is not yet set in stone as he is expected to meet the Badminton Association of Malaysia (BAM) today to allay current tensions.
According to a source familiar with the matter, Lee is thinking more clearly after his meeting with Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Faizal Azumu last night and is prepared to meet BAM for talks.
The source told The Vibes that Lee could make a return to BAM pending the results of their meeting today.
“I am not saying he is returning to BAM because I am not sure, but it is possible.
“He is aware that BAM are not totally wrong in their decision, and he wants this matter to be sorted so that he can focus on playing badminton.
“Zii Jia is not wrong to accept a ‘too good to refuse’ offer but BAM are also not wrong here.
“BAM and Yonex signed a RM55 million deal last year, and I believe Zii Jia plays a key role in the sponsorship because he is currently the world’s number seven. So, if Zii Jia quits, of course sponsors are not going to be happy about it and they could pull out.
“If sponsors pull out, what is going to happen to other players in the development pipeline? There will be a huge cut in the development budget and allowances for other players.
“People must know that even as other sports associations have slashed allowances and salaries for athletes, coaches, and operations, BAM are the only association that have not done so. Thus, people must understand why BAM acted in such a way.
“BAM telling Zii Jia to sacrifice for the national interest is basically asking him to think about the other players and juniors in the national set-up. If Datuk Lee Chong Wei was selfish, do you think we would have a Lee Zii Jia?”
The source also said Lee should have taken the other party’s offer to BAM and discussed whether it can be matched or at least come close to, instead of quitting abruptly.
“Anything and everything can be resolved if they just sit and talk to each other,” said the source.
Yesterday, BAM confirmed they received Lee’s appeal letter, and that they will look into the matter with great urgency to find a solution. https://www.thevibes.com/articles/sports/52822/lee-zii-jia-appeals-2-year-ban
“BAM also wants Zii Jia to fly. Of course they won’t want to see their investment fail. This whole saga will end, and BAM and Zii Jia can get back to focusing on the sport.”
Last week, BAM decided to ban Lee for two years from playing any international competitions after they claimed that the player was in breach of contract.
Lee was rumoured to be signing a five-year deal worth RM8 million with a Taiwanese badminton manufacturer, which led the player to quit the national body.
At the same time, BAM imposed a two-year ban on former national women’s shuttler Goh Jin Wei. – The Vibes, January 25, 2022
