SAT demands explanation from FAT

SAT demands explanation from FAT

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has asked the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to explain why it did not organise its presidential election by July 16.

Worawi Makudi's term as FAT boss ended on June 16 and according to the FAT charter, it must hold an election for a new president within 30 days of the incumbent's term expiring.

Worawi has insisted that the FAT must first adopt its revised electoral code to comply with Fifa statutes before its presidential election can be held.

Worawi, who is also a Fifa executive member, has scheduled Aug 9 for FAT members to vote on its revised charter with the election to be held on Sept 23.

"We have sent the FAT a letter asking it to offer its explanation on July 24 on why it could not organise its presidential election by July 16," SAT governor Kanokphand Chulakasem told a press conference yesterday.

"We have to listen to their explanation and look at their evidence."

If the explanation is improper, then the SAT will order the FAT to hold the election on Aug 9, according to Kanokphand.

"If it fails to organise the election by Aug 9, then the SAT will consider action at its board meeting on Aug 30," he said.

Worawi's opponents have demanded an earlier election date. They say the election should be held first and that the new president should oversee changes to the FAT regulations to comply with Fifa statutes.

At the centre of the controversy is the number of eligible voters. Worawi says it has to be 72 as recommended by Fifa but his opponents want it to remain at about 180.

Worawi will be challenged by former national team manager Virach Charnpanich in the upcoming election.

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