Istaf disciplinary body to review controversial Takraw World Cup final

KUALA LUMPUR: The International Sepak Takraw Federation’s (Istaf) disciplinary body will be reviewing the incident that occurred during the final of the TM Istaf Sepak Takraw World Cup yesterday.

Istaf confirmed this in a statement released today and reminded all teams and officials to appeal via proper channels if they are not satisfied with a decision.

Thailand refused to continue playing against Malaysia in the third match of the team regu event final at Titiwangsa Stadium. They claimed that the referee was biased in favour of Malaysia.

“During a crucial stage of the third regu match, the match referee called a centre line infringement against a Thailand player in accordance with the Istaf Laws of the Game,” said Istaf.

“Following the decision, Thailand requested for a challenge review. The match referee, however, informed the team that centre line infringements do not fall under the scope of the current Challenge Review System procedures.

“Despite several explanations and advisories provided by the match officials, Thailand declined to continue the match.

“In accordance with the Istaf Technical Handbook and competition regulations, the match referee subsequently declared the match forfeited and awarded the result to Malaysia.

“Istaf wishes to emphasise that all referees are entrusted to carry out their duties professionally, fairly, and independently in accordance with the Laws of the Game.

“Should any participating team disagree with a decision during competition, the proper avenue provided under the regulations is through the official protest procedure and not through refusal to continue play.

“As the matter involves competition discipline and the conduct of officials and players during an international final, the case has been referred to the relevant disciplinary body for further review.”

Malaysia were subsequently declared 2-1 winners in the team regu final.

The national team ended their World Cup campaign this year with two titles – team regu and quadrant – after failing to defend their inter-regu title.

Malaysia were stunned by Myanmar in the inter-regu semi-finals. Thailand went on to beat Myanmar in the final.

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المصدر: New Straits Times