Mercinews.com – The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has cleared seven Thailand national sepaktakraw players from disciplinary proceedings over an incident during the final of the TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026 on May 24.
The decision was announced on Wednesday, June 24, after ISTAF’s Executive Committee and Disciplinary Committee reviewed an appeal and submissions from the Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT), headed by President Thana Chaiprasit and Secretary-General Dr. Srihasak Arirachakaran.
In a statement, ISTAF said it appreciated TAT’s support for the disciplinary process and its commitment to fully cooperate in ensuring that all relevant facts and circumstances surrounding the incident were properly presented.
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After reviewing the case, the federation concluded that seven players from Thailand’s first and second regus would not face disciplinary proceedings because of their limited involvement in the events that led to the abandonment of the final match.
Instead, the players will receive formal warnings and be required to sign undertakings reaffirming their commitment to sportsmanship, respect for match officials, and compliance with the ISTAF Constitution, Rules and Regulations.
According to ISTAF, the athletes from the first and second regus had already completed their respective matches and played only a minor role in the incident under review. The federation said it would be unfair and inappropriate to include individuals who were not directly involved in the principal disciplinary proceedings.
However, disciplinary proceedings against five players from Thailand’s third regu, along with the relevant coaches and team manager, will continue in accordance with the federation’s disciplinary framework.
ISTAF said the proceedings are intended to establish the facts and determine responsibility through an independent and impartial process.
Despite the ongoing case, the federation stressed that the incident should not diminish Thailand’s standing as one of the sport’s most influential nations.
Over several decades, Thailand has played a central role in the development of sepaktakraw, producing generations of elite players, coaches and officials who have helped raise the sport’s global profile and inspired its growth across many countries.
ISTAF Secretary-General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader said the federation remained confident in Thailand’s future and emphasized that a single incident should not define a country with a long and distinguished record in the sport.
“Thailand is a great Sepaktakraw nation and an indispensable member of the global Sepaktakraw family. One unfortunate incident does not define the future of a country that has contributed so much to our sport,” Abdul Halim said in a statement.
He added that while discipline remains an important principle, the federation also believes in education, rehabilitation and second chances.
“ISTAF believes in discipline when necessary, but we also believe in education, rehabilitation and second chances. We are confident that Thailand will emerge stronger from this experience and continue to inspire the world with its passion, excellence and commitment to Sepaktakraw,” Abdul Halim said.
The disciplinary proceedings involving the remaining players, coaches and team officials are ongoing.
ISTAF reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the integrity of the sport while ensuring fairness, due process and respect for all parties involved.(red)
