Kuala lumpur: 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.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the complaint was outlined in a letter dated May 24 by PSM secretary-general Datuk Abidullah Salleh. It pertained to the final match between Malaysia and Thailand, which took place at the Titiwangsa Stadium on May 23. During a commotion arising from a referee's decision in the third regu match, three Thai officials-who were not listed in the team registration or official match list-entered and gathered around the Thailand team bench area during active match operations.
The officials named in the letter included Takraw Association of Thailand president Thana Chaiprasit, secretary-general Dr. Srihasak Arirachakaran, and former team manager Piroj Archaroongroj. Abidullah expressed disappointment at their failure to assist in calming the situation or encouraging the Thailand players to return to the court, thereby exacerbating the disruption and uncertainty at a crucial stage of the final.
Abidullah emphasized that as sports leaders, especially those involved in international and Olympic movements, the Thai officials should have exhibited leadership, composure, professionalism, and sportsmanship, respecting the authority of referees and competition officials. He noted that dissatisfaction with a referee's decision should be addressed through official protest procedures under ISTAF regulations, not by refusing to continue the match.
The incident occurred during one of the most significant matches ever organized under the ISTAF World Cup structure, which was broadcast live on television and multiple international streaming platforms, reaching millions worldwide. Abidullah lamented that the actions and conduct displayed during the final tarnished the sport's image and disrupted the professionalism of the event.
He highlighted the substantial resources and efforts invested by Malaysia and the organizing committee to ensure the championship's successful delivery and voiced concerns that such incidents could affect public confidence, sponsorship perception, broadcaster confidence, future commercial negotiations, and the overall reputation of sepaktakraw internationally.
In view of the incident's seriousness, Abidullah requested 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.
The men's team regu final at the 2026 Sepaktakraw World Cup witnessed controversy when Thailand withdrew from the match in protest against a refereeing decision, leading to Malaysia being declared 2-1 winners.