Jakarta Casual

Thai Premier League Co chairmain Vichit Yamboonruang said yesterday it was good that the Asian Football Confederation found that most TPL clubs have inadequate stadiums and facilities.

AFC representatives last week inspected TLP teams' stadiums and found that only four met the Asian football governing body's requirements.

The four stadiums are Yamaha (Muang Thong United), Leo (Bangkok Glass), Thammasat Rangsit (Insee Police United) and Chon Buri (Chonburi FC).

Following the inspection, the AFC told Vichit that TPL clubs must improve their facilities and youth programmes or face exclusion from the AFC Champions League.

Vichit chose to look on the bright side, saying: "I am not worried because this is a good thing. It lets us know what we have to improve.

"They want us to create good things, which are good for football development here. We have assured them that we will continue our development."

AFC director of competitions Tokuaki Suzuki said yesterday the AFC appreciates the hard work put in by the Football Association of Thailand, Thai Premier League and the clubs to improve professional football.

But Thailand still has some weak points such as stadiums, media facilities and operations, and youth development, he said.

Suzuki added: "I still believe that the Thai clubs can still improve in a good way. We will come to finalise the inspection on October 14 which is the deadline to determine whether teams from Thailand will have a chance to play in the AFC Champions League or not.

"If the clubs cannot improve their facilities and programmes to meet our criteria, they will not be able to play in the AFC Champions League from 2012-2014."

In the last two seasons, only the TPL champions were allowed to take part in the AFC Champions League qualifying.

SOURCE - Bangkok Post