The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) proudly announces the appointment of Khun Worawi Makudi, a renowned leader in global sports governance, to its Advisory Council. This significant addition reflects IFMA’s continued commitment to advancing Muaythai’s prominence on the international stage, further aligning with the values and goals of the Olympic Movement.
Khun Makudi’s distinguished career in sports leadership spans decades, marked by his transformative impact on football both in Thailand and globally. As General Secretary of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) from 1996 to 2007 and President from 2007 to 2015, Khun Makudi’s tenure was instrumental in elevating the sport’s stature within the region. Globally, he represented Asia on FIFA’s Executive Committee for nearly 20 years, spearheading key initiatives and chairing significant committees within the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), including those for futsal, women’s football, and refereeing.
A true sports diplomat, Khun Makudi has led delegations to five FIFA World Cups and contributed to various FIFA committees. His outstanding achievements have been recognized with numerous accolades, including the FIFA Honorary Member distinction, the National Father of the Year Award in Thailand, and the esteemed Royal Dato title from Malaysia’s Sultan of Pahang.
Khun Makudi joins IFMA at a pivotal moment, as the organization seeks to build on its legacy of excellence. Central to this vision is the development of a world Muaythai league, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at professionalizing the sport while celebrating its cultural roots. IFMA President Dr. Sakchye Tapsuwan emphasized the importance of strategic leadership in realizing this ambitious goal.
“Khun Worawi Makudi’s expertise and international stature bring invaluable strength to our mission of elevating Muaythai on the global stage,” said Dr. Sakchye.
The IFMA Advisory Council, chaired by His Serene Highness Prince Nawaphansa Yugala and co-chaired by Khun Somsak Leeswadtrakul, plays a critical role in shaping the federation’s future. The leadership team also includes prominent figures such as HRH Prince Fahad bin Mansour bin Saad bin Saud bin Abdulaziz, H.E. Abdullah Saeed Amer Al Neyadi, and Khun Somchart Charoenwacharawit. Together, they represent a commitment to the values of inclusivity, integrity, and global cooperation, which underpin the Olympic ethos.
IFMA is uniquely positioned as the sole Muaythai organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and compliant with World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) standards. As a member of SportAccord, IFMA joins an elite group of federations working at the highest levels of international sport. With recognition from institutions such as the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), European Olympic Committees, the International World Games Association, and FISU, IFMA is firmly established as a leading voice for Muaythai worldwide.
Khun Makudi’s appointment reinforces IFMA’s standing and strengthens its capacity to expand partnerships, cultivate opportunities, and further integrate Muaythai into the global sports community. With over 150 member federations and recognition from more than 100 National Olympic Committees, IFMA’s reach continues to grow, bringing Muaythai to new audiences and communities around the world.
As IFMA continues its journey to position Muaythai not just as a sport, but as a global cultural phenomenon, the federation is guided by the leadership of Khun Makudi and a shared vision for a brighter future. Together, IFMA’s leaders are united in their commitment to promoting excellence, inclusivity, and the Olympic values.
About IFMA
The International Federation of Muaythai Associations (IFMA) is the global governing body for the sport of Muaythai, recognized by the IOC and compliant with WADA standards. As the sole WADA signatory for Muaythai, IFMA upholds the highest standards of integrity, inclusivity, and fairness. With a mission to develop Muaythai as a cultural and competitive sport, IFMA continues to champion the values of the Olympic Movement while promoting the rich heritage of Muaythai worldwide.
