Newin lashes out at FAT over TPL money deal
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Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudee engaged in a war of words with Buriram United chairman Newin Chidchob during a meeting at FAT headquarters yesterday.
Worawi was seeking to clarify the financial status of the Thailand Premier League following allegations of a lack of transparency made by Newin. The allegations last week prompted Siam Sport Syndicate, in charge of TPL finances and rights, to quit.
Yesterday’s meeting began with a reading of the 2011 TPL financial report summary, which showed the top-tier league had made Bt218.4 million last year, including Bt8.5 million benefit.
Newin fired a series of aggressive questions concerning the TPL rights contract between Siam Sport and the FAT. He asked for a copy of the deal, which Worawi said would be delivered only if an official request was submitted.
Worawi said that all TPL clubs had been informed of the terms and conditions ahead of the season, including the benefits they would receive. Any team not content with the terms could withdraw and would be replaced by teams from the second-tier division, he said.
Newin lashed back, accusing Worawi of having challenged teams unhappy with the money issue to walk away.
Before Worawi called an end to proceedings, a Siam Sport representative returned the privileges and rights contract to the FAT chief. Newin said he would submit a formal request to see the contract.
