Top, Former Thai Sepaktakraw Champion, Demands International Federation Adopt Technology Over Human Referees, Points Out Poor Calls Won't Get Sport Into Olympics
Thai sepaktakraw legend Top demands the international federation adopt VAR and Hawk-Eye technology to replace human referees, citing biased calls at the World Cup 2026 in Malaysia as an obstacle to Olympic recognition.
Top Ratchadej Noi Charoen, the legendary Thai sepaktakraw player, has publicly criticized the International Sepaktakraw Federation for biased refereeing at the ISTAF Sepaktakraw World Cup 2026 held at Titiwangsa Stadium in Malaysia. The Thai men's team withdrew during the final match against Malaysia after alleging unfair calls by referee Muhammad Radi, particularly a controversial line fault call in the third set that contradicted current rules.
In a lengthy Facebook post, Top clarified that the Thai team did not "walk out" but rather chose to concede the match mid-competition due to systemic refereeing problems. He emphasized that all team staff and athletes remained on the field through the end, participated in the closing ceremony, and received their medals as usual, even injured or distressed athletes returned to participate.
Top called on the global sepaktakraw community to implement international refereeing technology such as VAR and Hawk-Eye systems to ensure transparency and fairness. While expressing no ill will toward the referee, acknowledging the sport's fast pace and inherent pressure, he urged the federation to adopt these technologies to push sepaktakraw toward Olympic recognition. Top praised Malaysia's hosting and management and emphasized the "Go Together" motto of mutual growth, while not blaming Malaysia, the host, or the Malaysian Sepaktakraw Association.
Top, serving as team manager and coordinator for the Thai national team, explained that despite recent leadership changes in the Thai Sepaktakraw Association that limited preparation time, the team sent its best athletes to honor the host, fans, and Thailand's reputation. He noted that while the World Cup is not as prestigious as the Southeast Asian Games or Asian Games, it ranks among the world's most important sepaktakraw tournaments, deserving full commitment from athletes, coaches, and staff.
