Chonburi will lobby to demand FAT election

Chonburi will lobby to demand FAT election

Worawi faces more trouble as stalemate over new statutes drags on

Thai Premier League powerhouse Chonburi FC will attempt to seek approval from member clubs of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to force the organisation to hold a presidential election.

FAT presidential candidate Virach Charnpanich joins a rally against the organisation.

The FAT yesterday cancelled its meeting for executives and member clubs to vote on its new electoral code to comply with Fifa statutes.

The move came after Bangkok's Min Buri court on Friday issued an injunction to prevent the FAT from voting on the matter until the court reaches a verdict in a suit filed by TPL club Pattaya United against the FAT and its president Worawi Makudi.

Chonburi vice-president Annop Singtothong said he would lobby member clubs of the FAT to back his bid to ask the FAT to organise an election.

Worawi, whose third two-year term expires today, has said the election cannot be held until after the FAT's new regulations, brought in line with Fifa statutes, are approved.

Annop said that, according to Thailand's sports law, an election for chief of a sporting body must take place within 30 days of the incumbent's term expiring.

If that sporting association fails to organise such an election within the period, then one-third of its members can ask it to do so.

In the FAT's case, signatures of about 60 members out of about 180 would be needed.

"The FAT should arrange an election as soon as possible because Worawi's term will expire tomorrow," Annop said.

Annop said he agreed that Thailand had to act according to Fifa statutes but any changes to the FAT regulations should be made after a new president is elected.

Virach Charnpanich, a candidate in the FAT presidential election, also urged the FAT to organise the election quickly.

Worawi told a press conference that the FAT had to cancel yesterday's meeting to comply with a court order.

"We have informed Fifa about this and a reply is expected on Monday," said Worawi, who is also a Fifa executive member.

Fifa representatives on Friday said Thailand must comply with Fifa statutes or could face consequences.

FAT executive Lt Gen Chinasen Thongkomol yesterday said Fifa may recommend that Pattaya withdraw their lawsuit or face expulsion from the TPL.

"Fifa may ban Thailand from its activities," he said.

FAT lawyer Veera Kammee said the election can be held now but the result may not be recognised.

Nattawut Ruangwes, SAT director for sports for excellence, said the FAT made the right move in cancelling yesterday's meeting.

He said that according to the law, one-third of FAT members can ask the FAT to organise an election. If the FAT rejects their request, then they can ask the SAT to intervene.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT