On September 22, Southeast Asian sports suddenly received information from the World Bacall Federation (WPBF) regarding the 33rd SEA Games, scheduled to take place in Thailand in December.
According to the decision of WPBF informed by Thai media, the iron ball competition will not be allowed to be held at this tournament.
In a document sent to the Thai Olympic Committee, WPBF confirmed that the ban was issued due to a prolonged disagreement with the Thai Iron and Steel Association.
The agency previously decided to discipline former chairman Sutthirot Praphanphat, permanently banning him from participating in management activities for being involved in many allegations of corruption, election violations and inappropriate behavior. However, Mr. Praphanphat continues to have influence in the operating apparatus, causing WPBF to lose confidence in the transparency of the association.
WPBF said that if any country sends athletes to compete in the iron badminton event at the 33rd SEA Games, they will face a penalty of not being able to participate in international tournaments for two years.
According to the original plan, the iron ball was on the list of 50 competing sports, with the competition time expected from December 10 to 15. This is a sport with a large number of players in Southeast Asia, especially popular in Thailand, Laos and Cambodia. Therefore, the WPBF ban is creating a lot of controversy and concern in the region.
Currently, the Organizing Committee of the 33rd SEA Games has not yet issued an official plan after the move from the World Backup Federation. If this content is eliminated, this will be a rare time for a traditional sport to be absent due to conflicts in management work.
