Asian body expels Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association

 

The Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) has been expelled from the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) with immediate effect.

Astaf Disciplinary Committee chairperson Yogender Singh Dahiya said in a statement today that the decision was reached after hearing the charges laid out by John Vijayan Vasavan, the prosecutor appointed by Astaf.

“It is with utmost sadness that Astaf made this painful decision but it has to be done for the good of the sepak takraw fraternity. It is also to send a strong signal to the sporting fraternity that irresponsible behaviour will not be condoned,” he said.

He added that PSM will have 14 days to appeal against the sentence imposed. Failure to do so will result in PSM being deemed guilty and be expelled immediately.

If PSM decides to appeal, the national sepak takraw governing body will have to pay a fee of US$2,000 (about RM8,290).

PSM was found guilty following the action of its president Ahmad Ismail in sending a letter to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and which was copied to the International Olympics Committee (IOC) in his capacity as Astaf deputy president on Feb 24

Yogender Singh said PSM was also found guilty of breaching the written undertakings given to the International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) and Astaf on March 14, 2008 “to support Istaf and Astaf to establish and maintain efficient administration of the federation.”

Ismail, who is better known as ‘Tok Mat,’ was also handed a 15-year ban from all sepak takraw activities starting from May 6 by the Astaf Disciplinary Committee on May 5. - Bernama