{
  "id": 1279242,
  "title": "Thai squad fined over RM250,000 for abandoning sepak takraw World Cup final",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/16/thai-squad-fined-over-rm250-000-for-abandoning-sepak-takraw-world-cup",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-16T13:46:09.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/08/1512542/thai-squad-fined-over-rm250000-abandoning-sepak-takraw-world-cup"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has imposed a substantial fine of RM250,000 on five Thai players and three officials for abandoning the final match of the ISTAF World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in May. During a disciplinary hearing panel in Bangkok on August 10, ISTAF secretary-general Datuk Abdul Halim Kader announced that all eight individuals were found guilty. The match was suspended and abandoned at 12.05am on May 24.\n\nPrincipal players Phutawan Sopa, Wichan Temkort, and Jakkrit Thinbangbon each received a fine of US$6,000 (RM24,507), while reserve players Sittipong Khamchan and Chattuphon Siriart were fined US$5,000 (RM20,422.50) each. Coaches Narachit Kalachan and Sahachat Sakhoncharoen were each fined US$8,000 (RM32,676), and team manager Auychai Srisuwan was fined US$10,000 (RM40,845). Their respective suspensions had already been served.\n\nUnder ISTAF Disciplinary Procedure Regulations, failure to pay the fines within 14 days of receiving the penalty notice will result in a one to two year suspension. An appeal can be filed within 14 days of receiving the penalty notice, accompanied by a US$500 fee. The panel's decision was signed on August 11 by representatives from five countries.",
  "summary": "KUALA LUMPUR: The International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) has fined five Thailand national players and three team officials for abandoning the final against Malaysia at the ISTAF World Cup in Kuala Lumpur in May.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}