Thai football gets some lift from AirAsia
Thai AirAsia is deepening its commitment to the domestic football scene with free air travel for Thai Premier League referees during the upcoming season, which kicks off this weekend.
The airline has sent air tickets to 11 top-flight clubs and to teams playing in the second tier Division 1 as part of a new yearly deal to support referees.
“This year, we will involve ourselves in an array of activities to strengthen the bond between sports fans and our airline. We’ll use all our capacities to offer aid to the development of Thai football,” said Tassapon Bijleveld, Thai AirAsia CEO.
“We’re proud to provide air travel to the referees. They are a very important cog in the wheel. We will give them convenient, safe and comfortable air travel so they can be at their best during the games.
“The referees will travel with our fleet of new planes for the whole season, costing around Bt6 million. AirAsia’s logo will be on the sleeves of the referees’ shirts in every Thai Premier League match.”
Worawi Makudi, the Football Association of Thailand president, said AirAsia’s support would elevate standards in the domestic game.
“AirAsia’s sponsorship of Thai Premier League referees is a welcome decision as officials are a key component of the game.
“I think better prepared referees will lift the standard of each game, which will benefit the sport as a whole,” said Worawi.
Berbatov to leave Man United
Alex Ferguson confirmed that Manchester United’s record signing Dimitar Berbatov is set to leave Old Trafford in the summer.
The £30.75 million forward has struggled for first-team football this season. He was top scorer in the Premier League last season, but will look to move on when it expires in the summer.“His concern is not getting first-team football,” said Ferguson. “At 31, he is looking at first-team football.
“It is difficult for me to guarantee that so it could lead to him looking elsewhere.”
Rather than letting leave for free, though, United are expected to trigger a one-way clause to extend the deal for a further year. “We will be taking up the option on his contract but, having had chats with him, I understand he wants to get first-team football,” said Ferguson. “It is something we need to consider at the end of the season. For a player of his age and his ability it is disappointing for him that he is not getting first-team football.
“We will look at the end of the season but until then, he remains at United.”
