PSM Lodges Official Complaint To ISTAF Over Thai Officials’ Conduct During World Cup Final

KUALA LUMPUR, May 24 (Bernama) -- Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) has lodged an official complaint with the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) over the conduct and actions of several senior Thai officials during the men’s team regu final of the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026. 

In a letter dated May 24, PSM secretary-general Datuk Abidullah Salleh said the complaint was related to the final match between Malaysia and Thailand at the Titiwangsa Stadium here on May 23.

He said that during the commotion arising from the referee’s decision in the third regu match, it was observed that three Thai officials, who were not in the team registration and official match list, entered and gathered around the Thailand team bench area during active match operations.

The officials named in the letter were Takraw Association of Thailand president Thana Chaiprasit, secretary-general Dr Srihasak Arirachakaran and former team manager Piroj Archaroongroj.

“As senior leaders of Sepaktakraw in Thailand and representatives holding important positions within the sports movement and Olympic structure, it was deeply disappointing and concerning to observe that these officials did not assist in calming the situation or encouraging the Thailand players to return to the court and complete the match in accordance with the Laws of the Game and competition regulations.

“Instead, their presence and continued engagement with the players during the stoppage appeared to contribute further to the disruption and uncertainty surrounding the match situation at a crucial stage of the Final,” Abidullah said.

As sports leaders, especially at the level of international and Olympic movement involvement, he said, they should have demonstrated leadership, composure, professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect toward the authority of the referees and competition officials.

“If there was any dissatisfaction with the referee’s decision, the appropriate avenue under ISTAF regulations would have been through the official protest procedures and not through refusal to continue the match,” he said.

Abidullah said the incident occurred during one of the most important matches ever organised under the ISTAF World Cup structure and that the championship was conducted under live television broadcast together with multiple international streaming platforms reaching millions of viewers worldwide.

“Unfortunately, the actions and conduct displayed during the final reflected negatively on the image of the sport and disrupted the professionalism of the event during a globally televised occasion,” he said.

Abidullah noted that as the host country, Malaysia, together with the organising committee, invested substantial resources, operational planning, government coordination, sponsorship engagement, broadcast arrangements, venue preparations, and international event management efforts to ensure the successful delivery of the championship.

“Incidents such as refusal to continue play during a final match may potentially affect public confidence, sponsorship perception, broadcaster confidence, future commercial negotiations, and the overall reputation of sepaktakraw at the international level. 

“In view of the seriousness of this matter, I respectfully request the ISTAF to officially review the conduct and involvement of the officials concerned and consider whether further inquiry, clarification, or disciplinary action is necessary under the ISTAF disciplinary and governance framework,” he said.

The men’s team regu final at the 2026 Sepaktakraw World Cup here yesterday was marred by controversy after Thailand pulled out of the match in protest against a refereeing decision, with Malaysia later declared 2-1 winners.

-- BERNAMA