FAT awaits True’s decision on Thai League 1 telecast
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has said it is willing to extend the live telecast contract to next year and it is now up to TrueVisions to decide if it wishes to broadcast the remaining Thai League 1 matches until the end of the season.
FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang said yesterday that both sides have reached a certain level of understanding, and “TrueVisions is now aware of the reasons that forced us to extend the season to May next year.”
All footballing activities in Thailand were halted in March due to the coronavirus outbreak. The top two domestic leagues are scheduled to restart on Sept 12.
Last week, TrueVisions, the broadcast rights holder, sent a letter to the FAT, asking for Thai League 1 to resume in 14 days and wrap up the action within 2020.
“It was not really up to us to decide things as we had to wait for government’s decision,” added Somyot.
“The only way we can finish the league within this year is to scrap the FA Cup and the League Cup events and play matches every three days.
“The dates for the restart and end of the season were agreed at a meeting between the FAT, Thai League Co and representatives of all clubs.
“There are 36 clubs in Thai Leagues 1 and 2 and they have 77 foreign players. When these players return to Thailand, they have to undergo a mandatory quarantine.
“We have offered to TrueVisions that if they are willing to live telecast all matches until the end of the season then we will extend the contract. We are waiting for a response from them.”