The Fifa-appointed normalisation committee's announcement to re-elect 30 regional voters for the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) presidential polls may be challenged by the national body in the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
Adm Surawut Maharom.
FAT lawyer Narinpong Jinapak yesterday told a press conference that the association plans to "protect the rights" of the 30 representatives — five each from the six regional Division Two leagues — chosen earlier to cast votes in the FAT election.
Adm Surawut Maharom, chairman of the normalisation committee, had announced after a meeting with Fifa and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) representatives on Thursday that he plans to select a new set of the 30 voters from Division Two on Jan 22.
There will be 72 voters in the election with the others being 18 each from the Thai Premier League and League One and six from minor competitions.
Adm Surawut claimed that Fifa had given full authority to his panel to stage the FAT presidential election and that he "has similar authority as that of the FAT president".
However, Narinpong claimed the committee's decision cannot be backed by the current rules and regulations.
"Their plan contradicts the 2013 regulations and electoral code," said Naripong.
"It is our duty to protect the rights of the those who were already chosen to vote at the upcoming election.
"I am, in no way, opposing the election [scheduled for Feb 11] or trying to hinder the work of the committee. All I am saying is that it would be better if we all work under the established regulations and codes.
"This is the reason that we are planning to refer the case to the CAS. However, whatever course of action we choose, we will ensure that it does not hurt the country's and national team's interests."