Totally grounded
DOOR SHUT: Istaf bar players, officials in doping storm from all competitions
THE International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) have made it clear that the nine national team players and officials involved in the missed doping test case are not allowed to compete in any tournaments or events until the matter is resolved.
Istaf secretary general Abdul Halim Kadir released a statement yesterday highlighting the fact that the provisional suspension includes the ongoing Malaysian domestic Sepak Takraw League (STL), which is not sanctioned by Istaf.
The world body have provisionally suspended six players and three officials from the national team for failing to undergo drug testing on Oct 23 at the Thai King’s Cup World Championships in Bangkok.
“Both the players and officials concerned have been provisionally suspended from every sport activity as provided for in the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) code, adopted by Istaf,” said the statement.
“Therefore, none of the suspended players and officials involved in this disciplinary proceeding can participate in any sepak takraw match or event, including the current Malaysian Sepak Takraw League (STL) tournament ...until the ISTAF anti-doping panel passes a final decision on this case.
“The players and officials involved, as well as all (sepak takraw) sport authorities and entities have been duly informed of the pending proceedings and of their subsequent suspension.
“Istaf are confident that all the concerned parties will duly comply with our resolutions.”
Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) president Datuk Ahmad Ismail had on Friday given the players the greenlight to compete in the STL as it was not sanctioned by Istaf and only involved local players.
The grand finals of STL will be held on Dec 17-18.
Malaysia had boycotted the second match of the King’s Cup team event final against Thailand on Oct 23, claiming biased judging in the first game. This is believed to be heavily related to the issue.
Ahmad claimed that the team were never informed nor pulled aside to take part in the tests’ on Oct 23 but had fully cooperated with anti-doping officials earlier in the tournament.
Evading drug testing is a serious offence under WADA regulations and is clearly stated under WADA code article 2.3. Those found guilty face up to four years suspension.