Dato Abdul Halim Kader, Secretary of the World Sepak Takraw Federation, comments on the controversy between the Thai and Malaysian sepak takraw teams.
On 26 May 2026, Dato Abdul Halim Kader, Secretary General of the International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF), revealed that a thorough investigation will be conducted into the case where the Thai national team refused to continue competing during the final set of the third team category match at the 2026 World Championship in Malaysia, with Thailand and Malaysia tied at 1-1.
The incident occurred after the Thai team expressed dissatisfaction with the referee's decision. Referee Mohammed Radi ruled that Thailand's striker, Phutawan Sopa, stepped beyond the court boundary before striking, awarding Malaysia a crucial point to tie the score at 14-14.
Dato Abdul Halim Kader stated that, in addition to the thorough investigation, there will be “appropriate measures” awaiting the Thai team. The investigation results will be presented at the ISTAF Executive Committee meeting on 28 or 30 May.
“What happened between Malaysia and Thailand last night in Kuala Lumpur is extremely shameful. I cannot blame the referees because they were managing a very difficult match,” said Halim Kader.
“ISTAF will take appropriate actions following our meeting this morning. We will conduct a complete investigation and present the findings to the ISTAF Executive Committee meeting scheduled for 28 or 30 May.”
Thanks for the image from the Sepak Takraw Court Facebook page.