2026 WorldISTAF Acts Against Eight Thai Sepak Takraw Players, Officials
KUALA LUMPUR, June 22 (Bernama) -- The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has commenced disciplinary proceedings against five players, two coaches and the team manager from Thailand’s national sepaktakraw squad over an incident during the team event final of the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 in May.
ISTAF said its Disciplinary Committee made the decision at a meeting on June 19 after reviewing reports and information related to allegations that members of Thailand’s Third Regu refused to continue the final match despite instructions from match officials to resume play in accordance with the Laws of the Game and competition regulations.
“The players named in the proceedings are Wichan Temkort, Jakkrit Thinbangbon, Phutawan Sopa, Sittipong Khamchan and Chattuphon Siriart,” the ISTAF said in a statement today, adding that the proceedings also extend to the alleged involvement of two coaches and the team manager in relation to the incident.
Formal notices of the disciplinary proceedings and charges have been served through the Takraw Association of Thailand (TAT) and each respondent has been given 14 days from the date of service to submit written representations before the matter proceeds to a disciplinary hearing.
The federation also directed that all respondents be barred from participating in, officiating at, coaching, managing or otherwise being involved in any ISTAF-sanctioned competitions, tournaments or official activities until the proceedings conclude or further notice is issued.
ISTAF stressed that the interim measures are precautionary administrative steps to protect the integrity of the disciplinary process and ensure proper competition governance, and should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt or disciplinary sanction.
-- BERNAMA
