In an unprecedented move, the World Pétanque and Bowls Federation (WPBF) has announced a ban on all pétanque (boules) competitions during the upcoming Southeast Asian (SEA) Games this December in Thailand.
The decision, outlined in a letter addressed to Thailand’s sports authority’s president, stems from a dispute with the Thai sport's leadership and the country's government.
In the letter, signed by the federation’s president Claude Azéma, deep concern is expressed over the "irresponsible conduct" of what it calls "unworthy individuals" within the Pétanque Federation of Thailand (FPT).
File photo: Claude Azéma
Azéma alleges that a former president of the FPT, who was previously excluded from international bodies, is using funds allocated for the sport for personal gain and has allegedly been involved in serious misconduct, including "rigged elections and sexual assault."
According to the letter, the WPBF, and its affiliated International Pétanque Federation (FIPJP), had reached an agreement with an Independent Committee of Pétanque Thailand, which includes representatives of the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT), to resolve the crisis.
The WPBF claims, however, that the SAT is now refusing to apply the agreed-upon resolutions, effectively supporting the criticised leader.
As a result of this refusal to cooperate, the WPBF states it will not endorse the organisation of pétanque events during the SEA Games in Thailand.
The ban extends to all pétanque federations involved in the event and any member who participates will be excluded from all world competitions until the next SEA Games in Malaysia in 2027.
This includes events like the World Games, Asian Championships and the Asian Master's Games.
The WPBF’s letter also warns that it will inform all relevant National Olympic Committees and the Thai government of its decision, stating that Thailand will be “deprived of numerous titles and medals because of one of its unworthy nationals.”
The federation calls for the individual in question to be “permanently excluded from all sporting activities.”
