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The Asian Sepaktakraw Federation (ASTAF) expelled the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (PSM) effective from yesterday, 20 May
The decision was made after hearing the charges presented by the prosecutor John Vijayan Vasavan, the federation’s Disciplinary Committee chairman Yogender Singh Dahiya said in a statement yesterday.
According to Bernama, John had been appointed by ASTAF to oversee the case.
“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,” Yogender lamented.
He added that, “It is also to send a strong signal to the sporting fraternity that irresponsible behaviour will not be condoned.”
The Malaysian Sepak Takraw team playing at the men’s double event.
Image via Lin KO 21 (YouTube)
PSM will be given 14 days to appeal against the expulsion sentence, the ASTAF Disciplinary Committee chairman said
Yogender added that if PSM failed to do so, they would be presumed guilty and ultimately expelled.
Bernama reported that the Malaysian sepak takraw governing body would have to pay a fee of USD2,000 (RM8,290) if they do decide to appeal.
Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail.
Image via New Straits Times
The expulsion comes after PSM president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail was found guilty of writing and sending a letter to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)
The letter written by Ahmad Ismail was also copied to the International Olympics Committee (IOC) under his capacity as ASTAF deputy president on 24 February.
Yogender said that PSM was also found guilty of violating the written pledge given to the International Sepaktakraw Federation (ISTAF) and ASTAF that had been made on 14 March 2008.
According to the agreement, PSM had pledged “to support ISTAF and ASTAF to establish and maintain efficient administration of the federation.”
Meanwhile, Ahmad was sentenced to a 15-year ban from all sepak takraw activities beginning 6 May.
The decision was announced by the ASTAF Disciplinary Committee on 5 May.