THE Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf) have barred Malaysian referees from officiating in the Sepak Takraw League (STL). The tournament starts next month.
The Asian body issued a notice to all 31 Malaysian referees, accredited by Astaf, regarding the decision on Dec 1, which they followed up with further reminders.
Astaf disclosed that referees found guilty of infringement would face stern disciplinary action.
Referees could face a fine of up to US$10,000 (RM41,950) or suspension, including a possible life ban, from all sepak takraw activities or both.
Astaf president Datuk Abdul Halim Kader hopes Malaysia will postpone the STL until later next year.
The competition, now in its eighth edition, will run from January to March.
The league is organised by the Sepak Takraw Association of Malaysia (STAM) together with a major broadcaster.
Malaysia are not an Astaf affiliate after STAM were expelled from the Asian body earlier this year following a fallout with their former president Datuk Seri Ahmad Ismail.
"The expulsion strips the rights and privileges of STAM recognised by Astaf — including rights to organise sanctioned local and international tournaments," said Halim.
"It will be a clear breach if an expelled affiliate organise tournaments. It is stated under Article 5 (10) of the constitution.
"Therefore, it is within our jurisdiction to prohibit members of the sepak takraw community under Astaf to participate in the STL.
"Astaf strongly advise (Malaysia) not to proceed with the STL next month. We believe the competition should go back to its original dates between August and November.
"Any involvement of previous council members of STAM (in STL) will also cause severe damage to the reputation of Astaf, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) and the National Sports Council (NSC)."
He hopes Astaf's views on the involvement of past council members of STAM in the STL and schedule will be taken into consideration by the competition's broadcaster.
Halim said Astaf have yet to receive any official updates on STAM, which are currently being restructured.
"We, however, are willing to accept a new Malaysian entity as an affiliate.
Although many state associations had left STAM earlier this year to start a new national body, the majority have returned.
The Sports Commissioner's Office (SCO) are overseeing the revamp of STAM. An extraordinary general meeting (EGM) was held in late October to amend the constitution.
The next step for STAM is to hold an annual general meeting.