SAT backs Worawi over election delay
Worawi Makudi’s bid to retain control of Thai football received a boost yesterday, the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) allowing the acting president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) to push for changes to its charter to comply with Fifa statutes.
The decision came one day after the SAT gave the green light for 108 FAT member clubs to hold an election for the organisation’s president on Aug 8.
In a complicated legal matter, the SAT said yesterday there were different laws involved.
SAT deputy governor Montri Chaiyaphan said that one third of FAT members — from about 180 — could hold an FAT election if the FAT failed to organise one within a certain period.
But whether the elected president will be recognised by the Interior Ministry’s Local Administration Department is another matter, he said.
Worawi’s third two-year term as FAT president ended on June 16 and, according to its own regulations, an election for a successor must be held within 30 days of the incumbent’s term ending.
Chonburi vice-president Annop Sing- tothong, a leader of the 108 clubs, insisted yesterday the Aug 8 election will go ahead.
Worawi has said an election can only be held after the FAT adopts its revised regulations, which include slashing the number of eligible voters by more than half to 72 from about 180.
Worawi, who is also a Fifa executive member, has set Sept 23 as the election date but the 108 members want it to be earlier.
Worawi has also scheduled Aug 8 for Fifa representatives to offer further explanations on Fifa statutes and Aug 9 for FAT members to vote on the changes.
The SAT said yesterday that the reform vote takes priority but added they had proposed some revisions to the FAT amendments.
‘‘We agree with the FAT and with Fifa, conforming to international sports regulations is a good thing,’’ SAT legal chief Somporn Chaisongkhram said.
‘‘The SAT believes that the Football Association of Thailand needs to go back and revise the changes it intends to make to its charter.
‘‘It needs to make sure that the changes needed by Fifa comply with Thai laws.’’
Worawi, who will be challenged by former national team manager Virach Charnpanich in the upcoming election, welcomed the news.
‘‘The SAT has officially informed the FAT that they agree with the adoption of Fifa statutes which will be conducted during an extraordinary general meeting on Aug 9 and to proceed with the FAT election by Sept 30,’’ Worawi said.
‘‘I have always only wanted to do the right thing for Thailand and Thai football. No one is above the game. It has never ever been about me, or any other individual.
‘‘Football is governed by the world body, Fifa, and it is imperative that FAT, as a member of Fifa, follows the rules, regulations and statutes as laid out by them.’’
Representatives of the 108 clubs has said that the idea to implement Fifa reforms and slash voting rights for many was a ploy by Worawi to retain power amid growing unpopularity at home.
He came in for criticism in November over the poor organising of the Fifa Futsal World Cup in Thailand, where construction of the main venue was not complete in time for the tournament.
The 61-year-old Worawi has successfully defended himself against allegations of corruption during his lengthy soccer administration career, which he has no intention of ending.
He said he will hold another meeting with officials from Fifa, which has threatened Thailand with a suspension if it fails to implement the new statues, for further explanations on the reforms on Aug 8.
However, with so many clubs against their adoption, Worawi might find it tough to get the required two-thirds majority backing.
Somporn said it is up to the members to decide if they want the changes.
‘‘The SAT just wants to make sure that the changes don’t go against the country’s constitution,’’ he said.
‘‘We’ve looked into the matter and found that what the FAT wants is within reason. Whether individual members choose to vote or not vote for the changes on Aug 9 is up to them.
‘‘The FAT has a responsibility to explain to its members what each change means.’’
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