Twelve Players, Three Coaches From Thailand Referred To ISTAF Disciplinary Committee - Abdul Halim

KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 (Bernama) -- A total of 12 players and three officials from the Thai delegation have been referred to the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) disciplinary committee following the controversy during the team regu final of the 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup here last month.

ISTAF Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said in a statement today that the decision was made unanimously by the governing body's Executive Committee after a special meeting on May 30 to review the incident that occurred during the third regu match at the Titiwangsa Stadium here.

The 2026 Sepak Takraw World Cup team regu final here on May 23 was marred by controversy after Thailand staged a walkout to protest the referee's decision, with Malaysia subsequently being declared the winners with a 2-1 scoreline.

Abdul Halim said that the referral was made to enable a thorough, independent, and fair investigation into all the facts and circumstances that led to the actions taken by the Thai team during the final.

"This referral encompasses individuals who may have been directly or indirectly involved, contributed to, participated in, supported, influenced, facilitated, encouraged, or in any way played a role in the events and decisions that resulted in the abandonment of the match," he said.

However, Abdul Halim emphasised that the referral should not be misconstrued as a determination that any athlete or official has committed misconduct or violated regulations.

Instead, Abdul Halim said the ISTAF Disciplinary Committee will review all evidence, arguments, and representations before determining if there has been any breach of the constitution, rules, laws, or code of ethics of the heritage sport's governing body.

He added that every individual involved will be given an adequate opportunity to present explanations and supporting evidence, in line with the principles of natural justice and procedural fairness.

At the same time, he urged all parties to refrain from making any speculation while the disciplinary process is underway, emphasizing that the governing body remains committed to ensuring sepak takraw is governed with integrity, fairness, and accountability.

-- BERNAMA