The Malaysian Sepaktakraw Federation (PSM) has officially lodged a formal complaint with the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) following the controversial scenes that unfolded during the Men’s Team Regu Final between Malaysia and Thailand at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026.
In an official letter dated 24 May 2026, PSM Secretary-General Datuk Haji Abidullah Haji Salleh expressed “serious concern and complaint” regarding the behaviour of several senior Thailand officials during Match No. 69 held at Stadium Titiwangsa on 23 May.
The incident occurred during a tense moment in the third regu match after a referee’s decision sparked commotion courtside. According to PSM, three Thailand officials who were allegedly not officially registered in the team registration and official match list entered the Team Thailand bench area during active match operations.
The individuals named in the complaint were:
- Mr. Thana Chaiprasit – President of the Takraw Association of Thailand and Vice President of the Thailand National Olympic Committee.
- Dr. Srihasak Arirachakaran – Secretary-General of the Takraw Association of Thailand.
- Mr. Piroj Archaroongroj – Thailand official and former Team Thailand manager.
PSM stated that the presence and involvement of the officials during the heated situation contributed to further disruption instead of calming tensions and encouraging the Thailand players to continue the match in accordance with ISTAF regulations.
In the strongly-worded statement, PSM highlighted disappointment that senior Thailand representatives did not actively encourage their players to resume play and respect the authority of referees and competition officials.
Instead, the federation claimed the situation escalated further and eventually resulted in Team Thailand abandoning the match.
“As sports leaders, especially at the level of international and Olympic movement involvement, they should have demonstrated leadership, composure, professionalism, sportsmanship, and respect toward the authority of referees and competition officials,” the letter stated.
PSM also stressed that if there were disagreements regarding officiating decisions, official protest procedures under ISTAF regulations should have been used instead of refusing to continue the match.
The federation warned that the controversy risked damaging the image and credibility of Sepaktakraw on the international stage.
The Kuala Lumpur 2026 World Cup was described as one of the biggest tournaments ever organised under the ISTAF structure, featuring international broadcasting, streaming coverage reaching millions worldwide, and major commercial backing involving government agencies, sponsors, broadcasters, and corporate partners.
PSM emphasised that incidents such as match abandonment during a globally televised final could negatively impact public confidence, sponsorship perception, broadcaster trust, and future commercial opportunities for the sport.
“As the host country, Malaysia together with the organizing committee invested substantial resources, operational planning, sponsorship engagement, broadcast arrangements, venue preparations, and international event management efforts,” the statement added.
PSM has now formally requested ISTAF to review the conduct and involvement of the Thailand officials named in the complaint and determine whether further inquiry, clarification, or disciplinary action is necessary under the federation’s disciplinary and governance framework.
Copies of the official complaint were also addressed to: ISTAF President Mr. Boonchai Lorhpipat, PSM President Datuk Mohd Sumali Reduan, ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 Technical Delegate Mr. Muhammad Fariq
The controversy has added another dramatic chapter to the historic Malaysia-Thailand rivalry in Sepaktakraw, with the fallout from the Kuala Lumpur 2026 final now set to continue beyond the court as ISTAF prepares to evaluate the official complaint submitted by Malaysia.
Credit Photo : PSM
