FAT moves to appease women's team

FAT moves to appease women's team

Worawi announces immediate payment of players' share for World Cup in Canada

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has acted to quash another storm apparently brewing within the ranks of the already embattled women’s national team by dishing out a big sum of 12 million baht.

Nuanphan Lamsam (centre) and her players.

FAT president Worawi Makudi announced at Friday’s press conference that the association would give the money to the women’s national team after there were reports of unease among the players because of a non-payment of the team’s share from their participation in the 2015 Women’s World Cup in Canada.

Former women’s team manager Nuanphan Lamsam said the FAT would receive a grant of 12 million baht from Fifa to facilitate Thailand’s participation in the Women’s World Cup.

“However, I would like to confirm that the sum of 12 million baht from Fifa has not yet been deposited into the FAT account,” said Nuanphan, who resigned as the manager of the team after their exit from the race to the Rio Olympics this week.

Explaining the players’ concerns upon their return from Asia’s second round of Olympic qualifying battles in Myanmar, she explained: “The atmosphere at Don Mueang airport was a bit tensed because the players had received the news concerning my resignation as the team manager.

“The players are still young and could not control their emotions as they were saddened by the news that coach Nuengruethai [Srathongwien] and myself have resigned. That was the reason that they spoke about the money from Fifa.”

She added: “I discussed this matter with the FAT president and he told me that although Fifa had yet to transfer the money, he will advance the amount so that the dues of the national team can be settled.

“As the team manager, I would like to apologise for what has happened and how it has affected the president. It was a misunderstanding actually.

“I have clarified the situation to the players already and they are okay with it.”

Nuanphan said that she received feedback from different quarters regarding her decision to quit the national team and has been convinced to reconsider it.

“I have spent six years as the Thai women’s team manager. Right now, they don’t have any tournaments in the near future so I have time to weigh the pros and cons and decide whether to return or not.

“I am convinced that with dedication we can help the Thai team reach the same level as the top Asian teams like Japan or Korea. I am confident that the Thai players can do it if they receive proper support.”

Nuanphan earlier said women’s football did not get enough support from the FAT and Thai Premier League.

However, it was revealed on Thursday that Nuanphan would become an FAT vice-president if Worawi remains president in next month's election.

Nuanphan is also CEO of TPL side Port.

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