Worawi denies misuse of Fifa development grant
Worawi Makudi, a member of Fifa executive body and the ruling Pheu Thai Party, swore innocence over claims that development grants from the world football governing body had been spent on building facilities on a plot owned by him.
On Wednesday, Fifa asked Worawi, who is also president of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), to explain how the US$860,000 (Bt26 million) grant to Thailand had been spent. Fifa has said that Worawi would face an investigation if it was proved he had breached the code of ethics.
"We cannot speculate at this stage if any of the rules and regulations regarding the awarding of the Fifa Goal project have been breached," the Fifa statement read.
The allegations are related to the National Football Training Centre built in Bangkok's Nong Chok district. According to a project report, FAT used $460,000 of Fifa funding in 2004 to build a pitch with artificial turf and then spent $400,000 in 2007 in building a three-storeyed headquarters.
Worawi, 59, has told media that the plot in question had been signed over to FAT, and insisted yesterday that the funds had not been misused. He also expressed disappointment at Fifa's actions.
"I have already written to them, and am really disappointed because Fifa should have understood. Their failure to do so has tainted my reputation.
"There are clear rules in seeking support for Goal projects. The land for the project is either owned by the national football body, is donated or is leased under a long-term contract. The training centre has been financed since 2003. I have documents to prove this. Back then, Fifa itself did not see anything wrong with our application. So, why is there a problem now?" Worawi, who has been with the world football body for 14 years, asked.
Under the Goal project, Fifa allocates millions of dollars each year to fund football development in less developed member nations.
