Annuar, who was suspended as Mara chairman on Jan 31, said the decision had been made at the administrative level.
“I was neither involved in the decision nor any negotiations. I also did not issue any instructions on the matter,” he told reporters after testifying before the Mara audit committee this morning.
“The decision was made at the admininistration level and was not referred to me.”
Speaking at a press conference which was held at the Mara headquarters, he said the sponsorship had been a commercial decision which did not involve him.
Annuar was suspended as Mara chairman following allegations that the former KFA president used Mara funds to sponsor the team, which could be seen as a conflict of interest on his part.
On March 12, however, Annuar claimed he was suspended only because he supported the recognition of the Unified Examination Certificate (UEC).
In a report by Sin Chew Daily, he said many in Umno were especially displeased over his decision announced on Jan 21 to have Universiti Kuala Lumpur (UniKL) accept the UEC for enrolment qualifications.
UniKL is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mara.
Around the same time, Annuar was also accused of using his influence as Mara chairman to get Pelaburan Mara Berhad (PMB) and UniKL to sponsor the Kelantan football team.
This surfaced after a verbal spat between Annuar and Johor crown prince, Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim.
Tunku Ismail, who owns the Johor Darul Takzim football club, had questioned the use of “public funds” to “save” the Kelantan football team from a financial crisis in his accusations against Annuar.
Calling himself a “sacrificial pawn” in the fight within Umno, Annuar also said the suspension was to ensure that he would not have a firm standing in politics.
Annuar was also vying for the post of FAM president last month, until he dropped out just days before the FAM Congress where he was due to face Tunku Ismail in a straight fight.