Still clueless about CYC saga

THERE has been a deafening silence on the Champions Youth Cup (CYC) sinceit was called off last year but it is not because the Sports Ministry isnot pursuing the matter. The ministry had already disbursed RM14 million to promoter GiftedGroup before the Aug 2-16 tournament was called off after the FA ofMalaysia (FAM) refused to sanction it. The ministry only managed to stop the final scheduled payment and asboth parties couldn't come to a compromise, the matter was referred toarbitration. Sports Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the matter had yetto be settled. "As both parties couldn't agree, the issue was refered to arbitration.However, we are still waiting for the Attorney General's Office toappoint the arbitration panel. "Both parties also have to agree to the composition of the panel," saidIsmail Sabri on Wednesday. Gifted Group, in a statement released in June, said it held the SportsMinistry liable for all damages and losses incurred but Ismail Sabridisputed this. "As far I am concerned, we did not frustrate the contract as it wasGifted Group which failed to get FAM's sanction." Ismail Sabri was also resigned to the fact that the RM14 million maynot 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 oflegal matters involved and it is going to be a long process, but Ibelieve we have a chance because we did not violate the contract." Held for the first time in 2006, the CYC was a tournament featuring theUnder-19 teams of some of Europe's biggest clubs - Christopher Raj