The Royal Thai Army is likely to disband its football club Army United, Chalermpol Srisawat, the team's vice-chairman, said yesterday.
Gen Apirat Kongsompong. Chanat Katanyu
Several media outlets reported that Army chief Apirat Kongsompong, in his capacity as chairman of Army United, had ordered that the club be disbanded but Chalermpol said his boss had not yet made a final decision.
Army chief-of-staff Chalermpol said Gen Apirat was considering if sponsorship has been well spent and met its target.
"The money should be used to develop Army personnel and youth near military camps and not only for football or any other sport," Gen Chalermpol said.
He said Thai League 2 side Army United received about 90 million baht in sponsorship annually but the money has not been used to develop their own players.
"We have to buy players and the coach is not from the Army," Chalermpol said.
The Army has two football clubs with the other being Army FC in Thai League 4.
Chalermpol said Army United may be disbanded and Army FC change their name to Army United.
The original Army football club was established in 1916.
He said he believed Gen Apirat would agree to this proposal.
Over the past few years, several football clubs have been disbanded or suspended by their owners, including PTT Rayong and Thai Honda.
Meanwhile, Buriram United captain Suchao Nutnum says he is leaving the Thunder Castle.
"I want to say good bye," said the 36-year-old midfielder.
"Next year I won't be here."
The former Thailand international won six league, four FA Cup and five League Cup titles after joining Buriram in 2010.