The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) on Wednesday confirmed that Chiang Mai will host the 49th King’s Cup tournament in September.
Four teams — Iraq, India, Lebanon and hosts Thailand — will be vying for the prestigious trophy from Sept 3-12.
The FAT said it wants the War Elephants to play outside Bangkok in order to help stimulate economy and tourism in different parts of the country.
The national football governing body also expects the initiative will lead to an upgrade in venues and public amenities in different provinces of the country.
The decision was made after bids were invited from provinces interested in hosting the ‘A’ level tournament during the Fifa Day break.
The tournament organising committee decided to select Chiang Mai as the most suitable site for this year’s King’s Cup tournament and the event will be held at Chiangmai’s 700th Anniversary Stadium.
Iraq are the highest ranked team in the tournament at No.70, followed by India, who are spotted at No.100 in the Fifa rankings.
Lebanon are 102nd, while Thailand are the lowest ranked side in the event at No.113.
The tournament will use a knockout format with the winners qualifying for the final and the losers facing each other in the third-place play-off.
Since the tournament has been granted an International ‘A’ level status, all participating teams will be awarded Fifa ranking points on the basis of their performances.
The date for the official draw will be announced later.
Chiang Mai also hosted the last year’s King’s Cup in which Tajikistan claimed the trophy after beating Malaysia in a penalty shoot-out. Thailand defeated Trinidad & Tobago to finish third in the tournament.