SINGAPORE – A year since its key appointment holders received lengthy bans from the Asian body, Singapore Sepak Takraw Federation (Perses) continues to be in turmoil.

The International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) announced on Nov 28 that it has terminated Perses’ membership, following an executive committee meeting in Kuala Lumpur on Nov 4.

The statement cited “grave misconduct within Perses’ leadership”.

The decision means that Singapore’s athletes will be barred from competing at the world and Asian championships, major Games and tournaments sanctioned by Istaf and its Asian counterpart.

The Republic’s sepak takraw teams had featured at May’s SEA Games in Cambodia – where the men’s regu team claimed a joint-bronze – and the Asian Games in Hangzhou in September.

Istaf also said that Perses president Nasri Haron and secretary general Zahid Abdul Aziz received a 12-year and seven-year suspension respectively from the Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (Astaf).

The Straits Times understands that the duration of their bans had been extended by two years from a ruling on misconduct charges in November 2022 as they did not pay for reimbursement for previous disciplinary proceedings.

Istaf added that Perses is suspended until further notice “after Astaf disciplinary proceedings highlighted serious violations”.

In a Facebook post on Oct 15, Perses announced its elected board members for the 2023-2027 term which included the re-election of Nasri as president and Zahid as secretary general.

This was despite the fact that Nasri had been banned locally and internationally by Astaf for 10 years, starting from Nov 30, 2022, following a disciplinary hearing.

Zahid was also suspended for five years while Perses was ordered to ensure the duo vacate their offices within 90 days of the notice, dated Dec 5, 2022.

The Astaf charges against Nasri included “written statements which are ungentlemanly, insulting and improper”, “attempt to disrupt and/or destabilise the efficient administration of Astaf”, and “attempted to destroy Astaf’s independence in all matters directly or indirectly concerning the game of sepak takraw by seeking the aid of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the International Olympic Council (IOC) to intervene in the council elections of Astaf”. Zahid faces charges for “acts of misconduct”.

In its Nov 28 statement, Istaf noted that the duo’s continued involvement in Perses operations, including their participation in its annual general meeting on Oct 14, “showed a blatant disregard for Astaf’s governance policies” and contravened several of Perses’ constitutional articles.

These include one which states that “board members shall not be serving a suspension or ban from the Istaf or other regulatory authority”.

Istaf also ruled that the two leaders must vacate their offices – located at Heartbeat@Bedok – within 90 days or face additional penalties. Both Nasri and Zahid are also banned from any future roles in Perses’ board or council.

In November 2019, Nasri ousted veteran official Abdul Halim Kader 12-9 in Perses’ elections. Halim had been president since 2000, except for a spell from 2013 to 2015, when he served as secretary general, a role he had previously held from 1982 to 1999.

Halim remains Astaf president, a role he has held since 2004, and also serves as Istaf secretary-general. He said: “For Singapore to regain Istaf recognition, there firstly needs to be a new Perses with a new multiracial leadership team, registered with the Registrar of Societies and get NSA (national sports association) status before it can apply for Istaf membership.

“The new team must have an excellent track record in managing effectively the sepak takraw community at all levels.”

A Singapore National Olympic Council spokesperson said Perses no longer qualifies as an SNOC affiliate as its membership in the international federation has been terminated.

The spokesperson added: “In the absence of a national sport association, the SNOC will set up a major Games preparation committee to safeguard the athletes’ interests and ensure that their training and preparation towards participation at the major Games will continue.”

When contacted, Zahid described Istaf’s actions as unconstitutional and said “no action should be taken by SNOC against Perses as the due process has been violated”.

He added that Perses is exploring its legal options.

The latest news has frustrated members of the national squad. A player, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said he stands firmly behind the Perses leadership.

He added: “We feel sad and disappointed. Whatever that is happening with Istaf and Perses has now resulted in us players being affected. It now feels like we will be training for nothing.

“We can only hope that we get some help to make sure everything is sorted out and the players or coaches don’t suffer because of politics.”