Sepaktakraw World Federation Rules Clarified: Stepping Over Centerline Is a Foul, But Why Was It Only Called Against Thailand?
Thailand withdrew from the Sepaktakraw World Cup final against Malaysia after disputing referee calls, claiming a centerline-crossing foul was enforced selectively against their team despite both sides committing the infraction.
International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) rules are being scrutinized following Thailand's men's team withdrawal from the final match against Malaysia at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Stadium Titiwangsa in Malaysia. The Thai team disputed referee Muhammad Radhi's officiating, citing multiple unfair calls, especially in the third set's final point when a Thai player was penalized for stepping over the centerline—a rule that should have an exception during the follow-through motion. According to ISTAF Rule 11.3.2, stepping over the centerline is indeed a foul, but with an exception stated as: "Any part of a player's body crossing into the opponent's court, whether above or below the net, constitutes a foul except during the follow-through motion after executing a spike." The rule clarifies that crossing the centerline is prohibited except during the natural continuation of a spike. However, during the disputed match, both teams stepped over the centerline multiple times, yet Singaporean referee Radhi appeared to enforce the rule only against Thailand, ultimately prompting the Thai team to withdraw from the competition.
