Third affiliate member quits national sepak takraw association

The Selangor Sepak Takraw Association (PSS) has become the third affiliate member of the Malaysian Sepak Takraw Association (PSM) to announce their withdrawal from the national governing body effective yesterday.

The decision was made during PSS’ special meeting on Sunday.

PSS president Datuk Markiman Kobiran said the association had lost confidence in PSM president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail following the dispute between the national governing body and Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTAF).

PSS was also not happy on how the PSM is being run, questioning its abilities to manage and defend the dignity and honour of the sport.

“PSS will establish and be a member of a new national sepak takraw governing body that will replace PSM,” he said in a media conference yesterday.

Gabungan Sepak Takraw Kelantan was the first affiliate to pull out of the PSM last Sunday, followed by the Johor Sepak Takraw Association on Monday.

The dispute between Ahmad, PSM and ASTAF resulted in Ahmad being suspended from any sepak takraw activity at the local and international stage for 15 years by the ASTAF disciplinary commi ee on May 5.

The former ASTAF deputy president, who is be er known as Tok Mat, was also asked to repay ASTAF US$25,000 (around RM102,900) to cover the costs of the commi ee hearing.

Four charges levelled at Ahmad for sending a le er to the Asian Olympic Council and a copy to the International Olympic Council in his capacity of ASTAF deputy president.

PSM was also temporarily suspended by ASTAF on allegations of a breach in complying with all International Sepak Takraw Federation and ASTAF objectives and constitutions as agreed upon on March 14, 2008.

“The dispute has affected the welfare of players, coaches and employees, which will have a negative effect on the country’s sepak takraw,” said Markiman. —