The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has officially launched sweeping disciplinary proceedings against members of the Thailand National Sepaktakraw Team following a highly controversial incident during the TM ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026. 

In an official press statement issued from its headquarters, the international governing body confirmed the immediate interim suspension of five star players, two national coaches, and the team manager.

The decision, which has sent shockwaves through the global sepaktakraw community, stems from a dramatic standoff during the tournament’s final match held on May 24, 2026, the ISTAF Disciplinary Committee convened on June 19, 2026, to carefully review match reports, video footage, and official statements before implementing these strict administrative measures.

The Allegations: Refusal to Play

The core of the disciplinary action centers on the actions of Thailand’s Third Regu (trio) during the World Cup Final. 

According to ISTAF, the Thai players allegedly refused to continue the final match despite receiving explicit, direct instructions from the match officials. 

Such actions are a direct violation of the established Laws of the Game and Tournament Regulations.

The investigation is not limited solely to the athletes on the court; it also heavily scrutinizes the team’s leadership. 

The proceedings encompass formal allegations against two national coaches and the team manager regarding their active roles in inciting, permitting, or managing the refusal to play.

The specific individuals named as respondents in the ongoing case include the following high-profile athletes:

• Wichan Temkort
• Jakkrit Thinbangbon
• Phutawan Sopa
• Sittipong Khamchan
• Chattuphon Siriart
  

In addition to these five players, the interim ban firmly applies to the two Thailand national team coaches and the team manager.

Scope of the Interim Ban and Next Steps

The notices of disciplinary proceedings and their respective formal charges have been officially served to the respondents through the Sepaktakraw Association of Thailand (TAT). 

Under the federation’s rules, each respondent has been granted a strict window of fourteen (14) days from the date of receipt to submit a comprehensive written response. 

Once these responses are collected, the case will progress to a formal disciplinary hearing where the ISTAF Disciplinary Committee has instituted an airtight Interim Order. 

Until a final determination is reached, all eight respondents are completely barred from participating in, officiating, coaching, managing, or being involved in any capacity with any matches, tournaments, or official activities recognized by ISTAF.

Upholding the Integrity of the Game

ISTAF leadership has emphasized that this interim suspension is a preventive administrative measure rather than a final punitive strike. 

The federation maintains that the order is designed to preserve the integrity of the sport and ensure smooth competition management, meaning it should not be misinterpreted as an outright assumption of guilt. 

All respondents will be afforded a fair and full opportunity to defend themselves in accordance with the principles of natural justice.

Commenting on the severe situation, ISTAF Secretary General Datuk Abdul Halim Kader spoke passionately about the core ethics of the sport:

“Sepaktakraw is built on values of respect, discipline, sportsmanship, and integrity. Every player, coach, and team official who participates in an ISTAF-sanctioned tournament carries a fundamental responsibility to uphold these values and respect the authority of the Match Officials and Tournament Regulations.”

Datuk Abdul Halim Kader further reiterated that the federation remains fiercely committed to protecting the global reputation of sepaktakraw, promising a transparent and fair process driven strictly by due process. 

The official press release, finalized by the federation on June 22, 2026, in Singapore concludes by stating that ISTAF will withhold any further commentary on the merits of the case until the panel’s final verdict is officially delivered.