MERCINEWS.COM – The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has imposed sanctions on five Thailand Sepaktakraw National Team players and three team officials in connection with the abandonment of the final match at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026.
ISTAF Secretary General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader, BBM, provided the information in a written statement on Saturday (August 15, 2026).
According to Abdul Halim, the ISTAF Disciplinary Hearing Panel convened on August 10, 2026, at The Grand FourWings Convention Hotel in Bangkok to hear the case concerning the abandonment of the final match by Thailand’s national team players and officials.
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The match was abandoned and halted at approximately 12:05 a.m. on May 24, 2026.
Abdul Halim confirmed that all eight individuals involved were found guilty.
The three principal players were each fined USD 6,000, with their respective suspensions already served:
1. Phutawan Sopa (Jersey No. 1)
2. Wichan Temkort (Jersey No. 20)
3. Jakkrit Thinbangbon (Jersey No. 14)
The two reserve players were each fined USD 5,000, with their respective suspensions already served:
4. Sittipong Khamchan (Jersey No. 18)
5. Chattuphon Siriart (Jersey No. 8)
The two coaches were each fined USD 8,000, with their respective suspensions already served:
6. Narachit Kalachan (National Coach)
7. Sahachat Sakhoncharoen (Assistant Coach)
Team Manager Auychai Srisuwan was fined USD 10,000, with his suspension also already served.
Under the ISTAF Disciplinary Procedure Regulation, any fine that remains unpaid within 14 days from the date the penalty notice is received will result in a suspension of between one and two years, Abdul Halim said.
The decision was signed on August 11, 2026, by members of the ISTAF Disciplinary Hearing Panel, which comprises representatives from five different countries.
Abdul Halim added that an appeal may be filed within 14 days from the date the penalty notice is received. The appeal must be accompanied by an appeal fee of USD 500.(red)
