Masatada Ishii blasts Thai FA after sudden dismissal

Masatada Ishii, former head coach of the Thailand national football team, made his first public move after being abruptly dismissed, posting an update via his Instagram Story following the Football Association of Thailand (FAT)’s official announcement ending his contract earlier this afternoon.

Ishii’s message revealed details of a meeting held on the morning of October 21, 2025, where he was called in under the agenda “Review of the two matches against Taiwan.” However, after the review concluded, the association suddenly informed him that his contract would be terminated.

Reason given: “Change all national team staff”

Ishii said FAT officials told him the reason was that they wanted to “change the coaching staff of all national teams.”

The Japanese coach admitted he could not yet accept the decision and felt it was made too suddenly. He replied, “Let’s talk again next time,” and did not sign any termination agreement.

“I couldn’t accept it. Then, in the afternoon, they officially announced my dismissal. I feel it was an act of dishonesty,” Ishii wrote.

Ishii’s statement contradicts FAT announcement

Ishii’s statement sheds new light on the circumstances behind his departure — contradicting the official version released by the association — just weeks before Thailand’s crucial fixtures in November.

“I was called by the Football Association of Thailand today at 10am,” Ishii wrote.
“They said, ‘Let’s review the two matches against Taiwan.’ After the discussion ended, they suddenly told me, ‘We’re cancelling your contract today.’
The reason was, ‘We want to change the staff of all national teams.’
I couldn’t accept that, so I replied, ‘Let’s talk again next time,’ and didn’t sign anything.

Then, in the afternoon, there was an official announcement that I was dismissed.
I feel this is an act of dishonesty.”

Finally, Ishii expressed his gratitude to fans, writing:

“To all the fans who have always supported the Thailand national team,
I would like to thank you sincerely.” — Masatada Ishii