Singapore Referee Radi's Controversial Calls Lead Thai Sepaktakraw Team to Protest and Withdraw from Finals
Thailand withdrew from the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup final in Malaysia after a controversial call by Singapore referee Radi denied what appeared to be a winning spike at a crucial moment in the deciding match against hosts Malaysia.
In the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 men's team final at Titiwangsa Stadium in Malaysia on May 23, 2026, defending champion Thailand faced off against Malaysia. Thailand had comfortably defeated South Korea 2-0 in the semifinals, while Malaysia beat Indonesia 2-0, with a packed home crowd supporting the hosts.
In the first match, Thai Team A featuring Phontep Thinsaibanbon, Marukindorn Phanmakorn, and Jirasak Phakbua lost to Malaysia 1-2 sets (9-15, 15-13, 12-15). Thai Team B, composed of Ratsanaphong Nonthakorot, Wuthianan Kamsenah, and Thanapol Satyuen, bounced back with a 2-0 victory (15-6, 15-13) to tie the series 1-1, forcing a decisive third match.
In the final match, Thai Team C fielded Chakkarit Thinsaibanbon, Wichai Temkorot, and Phutawan Sophaa. With Thailand trailing 1-0 and leading 14-13 in the second set, referee Radi from Singapore made a controversial line-crossing call against Thailand at a critical moment, denying what appeared to be a winning spike. Thailand protested the decision and refused to continue playing, demanding either the point be awarded back or the referee be replaced. The Thai team ultimately forfeited the match due to the team staff's refusal to continue under these conditions. Reports indicate the Thai Sepaktakraw Association plans to file an official protest.
