International Sepaktakraw Federation Stands by Referee's Call, All Teams Must Follow Rules and Handle Disappointment

The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has issued an official statement regarding the controversial decision in the men's team final between Malaysia and Thailand at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup Kuala Lumpur 2026. ISTAF confirmed that the referee's decision on a player stepping over the center line was made correctly according to competition rules, and the incident falls outside the scope of the Challenge Review System used in current competitions.

After one team refused to resume play within the designated time, Malaysia was officially declared the winner according to competition regulations.

At this level of championship competition, high emotions are commonplace. Malaysia and Thailand represent one of the most intense rivalries in world sepaktakraw, built on a long history of high-level competition, national pride, and countless memorable moments on the court. However, at the international level, the intensity of competition must remain within the framework of discipline and regulations.

Disputes at this level are inevitable, especially when critical decisions are made—this is part of elite professional sports. However, the true strength of a sports system is not measured solely by moments of victory, but also by how the sport handles pressure, conflict, and disappointment.

This incident will continue to be discussed throughout the region. But above all the controversy, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: sepaktakraw is entering a new era—one with greater global attention, higher standards, and closer scrutiny than ever before. In this new era, the credibility and integrity of the sport must be protected above all else.