Fifa verdict on Thai cup 'fixing' due tomorrow

The two Thai clubs found themselves in the spotlight after the Japanese referee in charge of their FA Cup final in November reported to Fifa that he was approached by unknown persons to “fix” the match at Supachalasai Stadium.

Buriram won the final 2-1 to clinch their second successive title and an AFC Champions League play-off spot. However, the allegation of match-fixing has thrown into doubt their participation in the continent’s elite club competition, after they secured a group-stage berth by beating Australia’s Brisbane Roar on penalties earlier this month. 

The incident was discussed at a Thai FA board meeting yesterday that lasted nearly three hours. However, the association says it will wait for the result of an investigation into the alleged match-fixing before considering any possible punishment.

“At this stage we cannot say much about possible sanctions because the investigation is not yet complete. Let’s wait and see whether the two clubs are found guilty or not. If I say anything [on the subject] today, it would not be good for either side,” said Worawi.

“I will travel to Malaysia for a meeting about the problem of match-fixing at AFC headquarters on Thursday. I will also discuss the matter there with Fifa officials as well as Interpol representatives. Let’s see what happens after that.”