Clubs receive approval to organise FAT election

The Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) has given the green light to a group of member clubs of the Football Association of Thailand to organise an FAT presidential election.

The group yesterday submitted a letter to SAT governor Kanokphand Chulakasem asking the agency to allow them to hold an election for FAT president on Aug 8 at the Army Club.

Led by FAT presidential candidate Virach Charnpanich, Chonburi executives Adisak Benjasiriwan and Annop Singtothong, and Pattaya president Nattapol Panyakannanukul, the group claimed the letter was signed by 108 FAT members.

Under the FAT regulations, one third of members can hold an FAT presidential election if the incumbent fails to organise one within 30 days of his term expiring. Worawi’s term ended on June 16.

‘‘They can do this according to the FAT regulations,’’ Kanokphand said.

Worawi said he had not yet been formally informed by the SAT and insisted the FAT must adopt its revised regulations to comply with Fifa statutes before its presidential election can be held.

Worawi has scheduled Aug 8 for Fifa representatives to give explanation on Fifa statutes to FAT members, and Aug 9 for members to vote on the Thai FA’s revised regulations.

Fifa has threatened Thailand on several occasions that the country will face punishment if it fails to act according to Fifa statutes. Worawi, who is also a Fifa executive member, said yesterday the two events would go ahead, and claimed a number of those who signed the letter had withdrawn their support.

The main problem is the number of eligible voters in the FAT presidential election. Worawi says it must be 72 as recommended by Fifa but his opponents want it to remain at about 180.

The Local Administration Department, which oversees all associations in Thailand, has reportedly told the SAT that some parts of the FAT’s revised charter may contradict Thai laws.