Yet more bad publicity for FAT president Worawi Makudi. This year alone, Worawi has had to answer questions (although he typically filed lawsuits rather than actually answering the questions) about: a hugely controversial FAT presidential election; accusations that he demanded the TV rights for a proposed Thailand v England friendly match; and, that he was with Mohamed Bin Hammam in Trinidad when the former AFC chief took cash bribes (which led to Bin Hammam being banned for life by FIFA).
Now Worawi is being asked questions by FIFA about a controversy which has been common knowledge in Thailand for a long time. FIFA is finally asking Worawi for more details regarding the use of funds from FIFA’s Goal Program. The allegations are that he used the money to build football training facilities on land that he owns, contravening the terms of the Goal Program. Worawi’s defence is that he signed the land over to the FAT, but then again he is president of the FAT. It could be argued that he still technically owns the land, or at least has control over it. We’ll keep you updated on this story if there are any developments, but we fully expect Worawi to dodge yet another bullet.
Midweek Round-up
The AFC Cup returned this week as the quarter-final first legs were played. Both Thai sides were in action, and both lost 1-0. Muangthong won’t be too disappointed with their loss as it came away from home and the Twin Qilins looked the better side for most of the game against 2009 AFC Cup winners SC Kuwait. The 2009 and 2010 TPL champions are still more than capable of going through, but it’s not looking so good for Chonburi. Their 1-0 defeat came at home to Uzbek side Nazaf FK and the Sharks now face a tall order to win away in Uzbekistan.
In their Toyota League Cup semi-final first leg match, Thai Port finally found their shooting boots. The Port Lions beat Regional League side Pattalung 3-0, although the score-line flattered the TPL side. The second leg, which Thai Port will be hoping is now just a formality, takes place next Wednesday. If Port make it through, it will be their third final in three seasons having lifted the FA Cup in 2009 and the League Cup last year. Their opponents will be one of PEA, Muangthong or Chonburi. PEA won their quarter-final second leg against BEC Tero 6-2 (8-3 agg) at the Thephasadin Stadium on Wednesday evening. Muangthong play their quarter-final second leg against Chonburi this Sunday (see preview).