Sports
FIFA Warns Football Association of Thailand (FAT) of Possible International Ban
BANGKOK – The world’s football governing body has reprimanded the Football Association of Thailand and cautioned them to settle their legal issues by June 24 in order to avoid sanctions
Fifa has reacted to the Football Association of Thailand’s (FAT) postponement of the elections for a new chief, which were scheduled to be held on June 16.
Fifa’s letter to the FATThe world’s governing football body sent an official warning letter the following morning after Worawi Makudi, president of the FAT, was forced to reschedule the elections due to a court injunction from the Min Buri Court in Bangkok.
However, as Fifa rules do not allow for civil courts to get involved in the administration of national football bodies, Thailand may possibly face an international ban if the impending lawsuit is not dropped by Monday, June 24.
Fifa’s deputy secretary-general Markus Kattner warned in the letter the FAT of the consequences should they not comply with Fifa’s requests.
“Please take note that should the club’s action (lawsuit) not to be withdrawn by 24 June 2013, the matter will be referred to the Fifa Emergency Committee to take appropriate measures against the FAT,” Kattner said.
“such a suspension would mean that the FAT would lose all its membership rights… as well as prevent all Thailand teams (national or club) from having international contact and participating in Fifa and AFC competitions.
“It would also mean that neither FAT nor its members or officials could benefit from any Fifa or AFC development programme, course, or training during the term of the suspension.”
Fifa also reminded FAT that they are only allowed to hold the elections after adopting the revised FAT statutes. Furthermore, this has to take place no later than September 30 this year.
“Failure to respect this decision would again mean the matter would be referred to the competent Fifa body to take appropriate measures,” cautioned Kattner.
Domestic teams that are potentially threatened should the ban be imposed include Buriram United, who are into the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League.