02 Jan Still clueless about CYC saga

THERE has been a deafening silence on the Champions Youth Cup (CYC) since it was called off last year but it is not because the Sports Ministry is not pursuing the matter. The ministry had already disbursed RM14 million to promoter Gifted Group before the Aug 2-16 tournament was called off after the FA of Malaysia (FAM) refused to sanction it. The ministry only managed to stop the final scheduled payment and as both parties couldn’t come to a compromise, the matter was referred to arbitration. Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the matter had yet to be settled. “As both parties couldn’t agree, the issue was referred to arbitration.However, we are still waiting for the Attorney General’s Office to appoint the arbitration panel. “Both parties also have to agree to the composition of the panel,” said Ismail Sabri on Wednesday. Gifted Group, in a statement released in June, said it held the Sports Ministry liable for all damages and losses incurred but Ismail Sabri disputed this. “As far I am concerned, we did not frustrate the contract as it was Gifted Group which failed to get FAM’s sanction.” Ismail Sabri was also resigned to the fact that the RM14 million may not be recouped. “Of course we want the money back as it belongs to the people. “However, it is not going to be an easy task as there are plenty of legal matters involved and it is going to be a long process, but I believe we have a chance because we did not violate the contract.” Held for the first time in 2006, the CYC was a tournament featuring the Under-19 teams of some of Europe’s biggest clubs