The International Sepak Takraw Federation (ISTAF) did not overlook the incident during the 2026 World Championship final, referring 12 Thai players and 3 officials to the disciplinary committee for review.
On 3 June 2026 GMT+7, drama unfolded in the 2026 World Sepak Takraw Championship final in Malaysia between Thailand and Malaysia, during the match that ended tied at one set each.
However, in the third set, with Thailand leading 14-13 in the second game, Singaporean referee Muhammad Rady awarded a point to Malaysia after judging that a Thai player's hit was out because he stepped on the line, tying the score at 14-14.
The Thai players then decided not to continue the match, which led to their forfeit, as they considered the referee's decision incorrect.
Recently, ISTAF has formally referred the 12 Thai players and 3 officials involved to the disciplinary committee for consideration regarding this incident.
ISTAF stated that every team has the right to file protests through clearly defined channels, and that refusing to continue playing or leaving the court constitutes behavior that directly damages the sport's image.
With this decision, ISTAF sent a clear message to all teams worldwide that no nation is above the rules, regardless of its fame or history of success.