Navy boss vows action against stars
Four named in scandal face internal probe
Thai League 1 club Navy FC have vowed to take drastic action against their players who were involved in match-fixing.
They have set up a committee to investigate four of their players who are accused of manipulating match results.
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) and Royal Thai Police announced on Tuesday that 12 people are under investigation for match-fixing.
Among them are five Thai League 1 players — four from Navy and one from Nakhon Ratchasima, a referee, a linesman and Si Sa Ket director Cherdsak Boonchu.
The 12 are accused of “receiving money or benefits in order to throw a game” or influencing others to throw a game or manipulate the score.
They were arrested and released on bail.
The four Navy players are Narong Wongthongkum, Saksan Chaothonglang, Suwithaya Numsinlark and Sutthipong Laoporn.
Navy FC chairman Rungsarit Sattayanukul apologised to all concerned parties, including their fans, for their players’ alleged involvement in match-rigging.
“I am very sad and disappointed,” Adm Rungsarit, who is commander-in-chief of the royal Thai fleet, told a press conference yesterday.
He said he had warned Sutthipong to stay away from match-fixing after there were reports that he was involved in the illegal practice.
“Unfortunately, he did not listen to me and was arrested,” he said.
Rungsarit said Navy Commander Naris Pratoomsuwan had ordered him to set up a committee to look into the matter.
Sutthipong, Saksan and Suwithaya are Navy officers and could face disciplinary action.
“If they are found guilty, they will be fired from the force,” Rungsarit said.
He insisted that the club had nothing to do with the scandal and said Navy FC would extend cooperation to the FAT and police in their investigation.
FAT president Somyot Poompunmuang said he was disappointed that referee Poomarin Kumruen was allegedly involved in match-fixing.
Poomarin, a Fifa-level referee who is among the 12 suspects, has been suspended by the FAT.
The FAT boss said the police were gather information which could lead to more arrests.
Meanwhile, Thailand moved up six places to No.132 in the latest Fifa rankings published yesterday.
However, the Thais are behind the Philippines (118) and Vietnam (125) among Southeast Asian nations.