FAT to use VAR in FA Cup final
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has confirmed that the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) will be used in the FA Cup final next month.
Thai League 1 rivals Port and Ratchaburi will square off for the title on Nov 2, a week after the end of the league action.
Port edged True Bangkok United 5-4 in the penalty shoot-out following a goalless draw after 120 minutes while Ratchaburi upset Buriram United 2-1 to progress to the final.
Meanwhile Warong Tiewtat, secretary of the Thai League organising committee, revealed that Leo Stadium, the home ground of BG Pathum United, has been chosen as the venue for the final instead of Army Stadium.
The Leo Stadium hosted the friendly match between Thailand and Congo last week and despite its modest 10,000-seat capacity, the stadium has also been selected as one of the venues for the AFC U23 Championship next year, added Warong Tiewtat.
Tickets for the Nov 2 decider will be on sale next Monday (Oct 21) at Thai Ticket Major outlets.
Meanwhile star midfielder Chanathip Songkrasin congratulated his Thailand teammates following their stunning 2-1 win over the United Arab Emirates in the Asian World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night.
The Consadole Sapporo playmaker missed Thailand’s third Group G qualifier due to injury but his absence was not a problem for Akira Nishino’s players, who pulled off an impressive victory over the Middle East giants.
“I would like to congratulate the Thai national team for their victory over the UAE team,” said Chanathip. “The team have improved continuously under coach Akira Nishino. He’s brought out the best of all the players.”
Chanathip said his injury, which he picked up during a warm-up session before a J-League match, is healing slowly.
“I’m getting better. I think I should be able to play in the Levain Cup final match against Kawasaki Frontale on Oct 26,” he added.