Thursday, April 01, 2010
Thai Premier League Postponed
Following a series of secret high level meetings over the last few days I understand it has been decided to postpone the Thai Premier League for the forseeable future. The current political security has been blamed with officials citing lack of security in Bangkok and mass demonstrations creating uncertainty.
Officials I have tried to contact have remained tight-lipped though one did say the ongoing situation, with no end in sight, meant the atmosphere in Thailand wa not conducive for football.
This will be a huge body blow to the Thai Premier League following on from its most successful season ever when record crowds 'discovered' football in their own backyard for the first time and turned out in record numbers to support their teams.
It was hoped this season would build on that momentum but a stop start beginining to the campaign, with games being pulled at the last minute while others went ahead,meant that there was confusion among clubs and fans as to what was going on.
This is not the first time politics has trumped football. Back in 2008 Bangkok was due to host the group stage games of the ASEAN Cup but political protesters occupied the Bangkok's airport meaning games had to be moved to Phuket. This time round I understand reloaction is not being considered given the huge cost for the clubs.
I understand the situation will be reassessed in a couple of months time.
Officials I have tried to contact have remained tight-lipped though one did say the ongoing situation, with no end in sight, meant the atmosphere in Thailand wa not conducive for football.
This will be a huge body blow to the Thai Premier League following on from its most successful season ever when record crowds 'discovered' football in their own backyard for the first time and turned out in record numbers to support their teams.
It was hoped this season would build on that momentum but a stop start beginining to the campaign, with games being pulled at the last minute while others went ahead,meant that there was confusion among clubs and fans as to what was going on.
This is not the first time politics has trumped football. Back in 2008 Bangkok was due to host the group stage games of the ASEAN Cup but political protesters occupied the Bangkok's airport meaning games had to be moved to Phuket. This time round I understand reloaction is not being considered given the huge cost for the clubs.
I understand the situation will be reassessed in a couple of months time.
# posted by Me @ 2:41 AM 
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