Mercinews.com – The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has imposed interim sanctions on eight members of Thailand’s national sepaktakraw team following an incident during the final of the 2026 ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup in Kuala Lumpur.
In a statement issued on Monday, June 22, ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the federation’s Disciplinary Committee had reached the decision during a June 19 meeting after reviewing reports and information concerning the incident in the tournament final.
The group consists of five players, two coaches and a team manager, who are under disciplinary proceedings over allegations they refused to continue the final match despite instructions from match officials in accordance with competition regulations.
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The players named in the proceedings are Wichan Temkort, Jakkrit Thinbangbon, Phutawan Sopa, Sittipong Khamchan and Chattuphon Siriart.
ISTAF said formal notices had been issued via the Thailand Sepaktakraw Association (TAT), with all respondents given 14 days to submit written responses before the case proceeds to a disciplinary hearing.
During the process, ISTAF has barred all eight individuals from participating in, coaching, managing, officiating or otherwise engaging in any official sepaktakraw activities under its jurisdiction.
The federation said the interim measures were administrative in nature and intended to preserve the integrity of the disciplinary process. It added that the measures do not constitute final sanctions and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt.
All respondents retain the right to full defence under ISTAF disciplinary regulations and principles of natural justice.
ISTAF Secretary General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said sepaktakraw is built on the values of respect, discipline, sportsmanship and integrity, adding that all participants are required to respect match officials and competition rules.
“Every player, coach and official competing under ISTAF has the responsibility to uphold these values and comply with competition regulations,” he said in the statement.(red)
