Malaysia in frame for King's Cup
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Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi revealed the FA would decide next week which team would replace Croatia for the upcoming 43rd King's Cup tournament.
The Croatian FA informed its Thai counterparts this week of its decision to pull the European team out of the country’s most prestigious international tournament, which runs from February 1-7 in Nakhon Ratchasima.
The Croatians’ withdrawal left only hosts Thailand, North Korea and South Korea in the annual event, which takes place at His Majesty the King’s 80th Birthday Anniversary Stadium the Northeast province.
Currently in Australia to attend the AFC Extraordinary Congress and the Asian Cup, which kicks off today, the 63-year-old Worawi said difficulty getting a squad together was behind Croatia’s decision to withdraw from the tournament, which take places during the European football season.
“I talked with Davor Suker, the head of Croatia’s FA, at the World Cup in Brazil, and we have been in contact since then.
“However, the Croatians faced problems in assembling their squad and informed us that they could not come,” said the Thai FA boss.
Worawi added that association had already begun mulling a replacement for Croatia, with three teams, including Malaysia, who Thailand beat last month to win their fourth Asean Championship title, in the frame and a final decision likely to be made next week.
“What happened [Croatia’s withdrawal] was out of our control. But we already have a Plan B and are considering whether to invite either Malaysia, the 2014 Asean Championship runners-up, South Africa’s pre-Olympic side or an Uzbekistan XI. We’ll have a chance to talk about this during the AFC meeting in Australia.”
