Manchester United’s Premier League Cup is currently on display at CentralWorld in Bangkok. Photo: Kajonsak Intarapong
Singha Corporation has moved to defuse the speculation that the football games involving Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool and Barcelona could be canceled due to the conflict between the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and FIFA.
“We can’t say whether the conflict will affect our matches. What I can say is that, if all the four matches were canceled due to any reason, would that be fair for the fans?. They are looking forward to watching these big matches, and all tickets [for the United game] are sold out,” Jaturon Himathongkom, Singha Corp’s sports marketing director, told The Nation.
The dispute started after FIFA warned FAT that Thailand faces a ban from international competition unless a legal dispute over its elections, and the presidency of FIFA executive committee member Worawi Makudi, is resolved this week. FAT president Worawi Makudi’s term as FAT president ended last Sunday, but he is trying to push through new statutes which would reduce the number of voting clubs in upcoming elections from 184 to 72. Pattaya FC went to a local court to stop the statutes as they believe the reduction in club numbers will help Worawi get re-elected. This caused the postponement of the scheduled FAT congress last weekend.
FIFA rules do not allow a civil court to get involved in the running of national football bodies and if Pattaya FC has not withdrawn their action against FAT by June 24 then a FIFA Emergency Committee will decide what action to take.
The conflict between the FAT and FIFA should not affect the Singha-hosted Manchester Utd and Chelsea matches as the two English giants will not be playing the Thailand national squad. “Our matches are not relevant to the FAT,” said Jaturon.
Manchester United play a Singha All Star XI on July 13 at Rajamanagala Stadium.
Chelsea play a Singha Thailand XI on Wednesday July 17 at Rajamanagala National Stadium.
Liverpool will play the Thailand national team at Rajamanagala National Stadium on July 28.
Barcelona will play the Thailand national team at Rajamanagala National Stadium on August 7.
