Yesterday, the International Sepak Takraw Federation (Istaf) banned the PSM and Dato Ahmad from all Istaf-sanctioned tournaments until a tribunal hearing scheduled for late next month.

At the centre of the storm is Malaysia's controversial withdrawal from the sepak takraw tournament at last month's South-east Asia Games in Thailand.

The Malaysians were unhappy that a new rubber-coated ball would be used in the SEA Games in place of the traditional rattan ball, claiming they were not given sufficient notice of its use.

When the tournament went ahead with the rubber-coated balls, PSM withdrew in protest.

Dato Ahmad told the Harian Metro: 'As many as five countries had criticised the rubber-coated ball, but Istaf didn't do anything about it.

'They made the decision to go ahead without consulting anyone. I dare them to hold a tribunal, where I will present my report.''

But Asian Sepak Takraw Federation (ASTF) president Abdul Halim Kader said the Malaysians were given sufficient time to get used to the new ball.

He insisted that 40 rubber-coated balls were sent to Malaysia in May, and another 230 in July.

Following the boycott, PSM reportedly tried to garner support from other countries to form a new independent governing body.

The Malaysian body also alleged that certain members of Istaf wanted 'to destroy the Malay legacy and identity in sepak takraw'.

Halim, who is also Istaf's secretary general, said the tribunal would comprise Istaf president Major-General Charock Arrirachakaran, secretary general of the ASTF Boonchai Lorhpipat, a solicitor, and himself. A leader of a sports body, who has yet to be named, will also sit in on the hearing.

Halim added that, if found guilty, PSM and Dato Ahmad could be handed heavy punishments as they had allegedly made 'serious and damaging accusations at Istaf'.

He said: 'If the tribunal finds PSM and Dato Ahmad of wrongdoing, it could lead to the removal of PSM's membership from Istas.

'Dato Ahmad could also be removed from office and PSM suspended from international and regional competitions.'

meng@sph.com.sg