Singapore to host Thailand-Australia match?
Thailand's Prathum Chutong in action against United Arab Emirates' Ahmed Khalil during their 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match at Mohamed Bin Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Oct 6, 2016. Photo: Getty Images
SINGAPORE - Following the passing of their beloved king, the Thailand Football Association (FAT) is seeking the help of its Singapore counterparts to host next month’s World Cup Qualifier at the Singapore Sports Hub.
The status of the Nov 15 match against Australia, orginally scheduled to be held at the Rajamangala Stadium in Bangkok, is now uncertain following the passing of the kingdom’s beloved monarch, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, last Thursday (Oct 13)
Thailand is entering a year of mourning and, as a mark of respect to their king, all football activies have come to a halt for the time being. The Thai Premier League, for example, decided to end its season with three rounds to go.
TODAY understands that the FAT is now exploring two options for Thailand’s 2018 World Cup qualifier against Australia on Nov 15 - playing the game behind closed doors in Bangkok, or holding it in another country.
TODAY also understands that the FAT has since contacted the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) to explore the possibility of the World Cup game in Singapore at the National Stadium.
The FAT is also looking at Myanmar’s Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon as an alternative, although it is understood they prefer the facilities and pitch quality offered by the Singapore Sports Hub.
In response to TODAY’s queries, Chin Sau Ho, Singapore Sports Hub’s senior director for corporate communications and stakeholder management, said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Football Association of Thailand and people of Thailand on the passing of King Bhumibol Adulyadej.
“We have been approached by the Football Association of Thailand; they have indicated their interest in the National Stadium in Singapore as a possible venue for the match and are considering various factors including travel and logistics.
“We are honoured to be considered and happy to host the event at the National Stadium.”
Thailand’s international friendly against Iran, slated for Nov 9, has also been called off. TODAY understands that the match has been offered to the Singapore national team.
Following King Bhumibol Adulyadej’s passing on Thursday afternoon, the FAT had announced that all football, futsal, and beach football activities sanctioned by the association will end immediately, with the positions in the respective league tables finalised regardless the remaining fixtures.
Thai Premier League deputy CEO, Benjamin Tan, a 40-year-old Singaporean, told TODAY: “We’ve cancelled all remaining football matches following the King’s passing, as a sign of respect. The football season is due to finish in about three weeks’ time, but it is only right to end early because this is a time of mourning for the Thais.”
With this announcement, Muangthong United will officially become the champions of the 2016 Thai Premier League season.
Army United, the club that Singapore No 1 goalkeeper Hassan Sunny is playing for, has been relegated from the top flight along with Chainat Hornbill FC and BBCU FC.
