SEPAK Takraw chief Karen Tanchanco-Caballero has found herself in hot water with the International Sepak Takraw Federation for allegedly committing “multiple violations of ISTAF’s constitution and disciplinary procedures,” according to a recent report by the Malaysian news agency Bernama.
ISTAF released a statement to Bernama stating that the executive committee of the world sepak takraw body recommended “disciplinary proceedings against Tanchanco-Caballero… during a meeting in Korat, Thailand.”
“She (Tanchanco-Caballero) faces five distinct charges related to actions deemed to have undermined the world sepak takraw governing body’s ethical standards and reputation,” the report said of the Philippine Sepak Takraw Association, Inc. president.
“These charges include public statements and conduct that are alleged to have violated the ISTAF’s principles of governance and integrity,” ISTAF added, while placing Tanchanco-Caballero under suspension “from all her duties both locally and internationally until further notice.
“This suspension is meant to preserve the integrity of the proceedings and to maintain the high standards of sepak takraw’s international leadership,” the statement said.
The report said that ISTAF had notified sepak takraw secretary general Irene Virginia Ng-Tanchanco about the charges against the sepak takraw chief and demanded PSTAI “to state its position regarding the action of its president.”
A reliable source said that Tanchanco-Caballero, who is also the Philippine Olympic Committee deputy secretary general, was seeking the help of the Philippine Sports Commission in sorting out her issues with ISTAF.
If she remains under suspension, the sepak takraw official won’t be able to cast her vote on behalf of the national sports association in the POC polls scheduled on Nov. 29 where incumbent POC president and Tagaytay Mayor Bambol Tolentino is seeking re-election.