Navy FC chief warns of stern action if players found guilty of matchfixing
Navy FC chairman Admiral Rangsarit Sattayanukul threatened to impose double punishment against the team’s four players if they were found guilty of matchfixing as charged by the Royal Thai Police on Tuesday.
Navy players Sutthipong Laoporn, Suwittaya Numsinlark, Seksan Chaothonglang and Narong Wongthongkham along with one Nakhon Ratchasima Mazda player and seven officials and investors were believed to be involved in fixing Thai football league games in July and September, according to national police chief Chakthip Chaijinda and Thai football boss Somyot Pumpanmuang.
Rangsarit said he was appalled and bewildered to learn that his players were linked to results manipulation, and insisted the club had nothing to do with it.
“It’s unbelievable that this thing happened with our players. In fact it’s clearly stated in the club charter that any kind of involvement in matchfixing and cheating are prohibited,” the admiral said during a press conference at the Sattahip Navy Stadium in Chon Buri.
“I also insist that the club is not involved with matchfixing and there shall be no more players involved with it apart from the accused players. We are not a rich club and we have no intention to make a fortune from this sport, as our main focus is to support children to play soccer and encourage people to refrain from addictive substances. Rangsarit said.
The Navy boss said the four players are temporarily suspended from club activities. He said if guilty, the four would receive double penalty including being stripped of their Navy rankings.
“Punishment will be double and more severe than usual if they are guilty, as they would be bringing shame to the club. They could be expelled from service,” Rangsarit said. The Navy chief also said stricter measurements would be used to recruit players with focus on honesty and integrity in the next season.
