Premier League Has To Come Clean On Money Question: Thai Opinion

[webfact]

EDITORIAL

Premier League has to come clean on money question

The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Allegations of financial irregularities in the management of the national football league must be cleared up before long-term damage is done to the sport's development here

The alleged irregularities within the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) should not be taken lightly. This issue must be clarified for all local football fans and their teams and the public, who all root for the Thai national team.

The upgrading of management and financial transparency in the Thai football authority will not only improve the standard of Thai players in the long term, it will also provide the basis for more efficient operation of the Thai Premier League (TPL) in the future.

The issues came to light recently when Buriram United president Newin Chidchob raised questions over the league's financial management. Newin's allegation has resulted in the withdrawal of Siamsport, the body appointed by the FAT to oversee the management and commercial operations of the Thai Premier League.

Following the allegation, Siamsport issued a statement that it has decided to withdraw from the Thailand Premier League. It also plans to hold a press conference to give more details on the issue on April 20.

Let's hope that after the press conference, the public and football fans will have a better understanding of what has happened inside the Thai Premier League. If the allegation is proved to be groundless, let's hope that the issue will be put to rest and all sides can move on and cooperate to elevate the standard of the Thai national league.

The Thai Premier League so far has proven to be a great success. Siamsport has also been credited with building this success. The teams in the TPL command a legion of fans and they are a foundation for the Thai national team to achieve more in regional competitions and even the World Cup.

The public and football fans are all hoping to see the TPL progress even further. But the debate over finances is legitimate. After all, the development of a football league in any country depends on sound financial management. A successful football league requires a solid and loyal fanbase, good sponsorship deals, quality teams as well as a strong community base to enable local heroes to shine.

The success of the Thai Premier League can lead to national pride because the players in the Thai team are recruited from these Premier League teams.

Newin's allegation has yet to be substantiated. But the issue must be looked into at the earliest opportunity, before rot sets in.

Financial management of the TPL, like any other business, has to be transparent to be in the best interests of all stakeholders, including the sponsors, the fans, the clubs, and the footballers themselves. This is not to mention the youngsters at football academies who are being nurtured as future stars.

The debate over finances must lead to more transparency in the TPL's operations. The league's management reportedly involves a sum of up to Bt200 million per year. This is no trifling amount, in any business.

But it is a challenge to manage national football leagues. Many English Premier League clubs are running in the red despite their history and their popularity worldwide. Skill on the field alone does not make a good club survive; it also requires shrewd financial expertise in the boardroom.

The FAT is not new to allegations of financial irregularities. Its president Worawi Makudi has been accused of financial misdealings over the funding for a stadium. Without proper disclosure and financial transparency, more allegations are likely to come along,

In reacting to criticism over its role in the TPL, Siamsport can do a great service to Thai football by addressing the allegation head-on and honestly.

The highly anticipated press conference on April 20 may mark the start of a new era in Thai football as it creates a new discussion on financial transparency with public attention so far concentrated on the pitch. Open discussion on financial management can invite new ideas. And proper financial management will lead local teams to further success, to the delight of Thai fans.

-- The Nation 2012-04-17

[khaowong1]

Ok, I'm sure I'm going to take some heat about this statement, but what the heck. If everyones big hero, the big "T" really wanted to get all of the Thai people behind his push to control all of Thailand, how about he invest some of his 400 billion baht in the Premier league. Bring in a really good professional coach, bring in a half dozen good professional players, give them Thai citizenship and bingo bango, you have a world class soccer team. :

[Bluespunk]

Football please, not soccer.

[bigbamboo]

Ok, I'm sure I'm going to take some heat about this statement, but what the heck. If everyones big hero, the big "T" really wanted to get all of the Thai people behind his push to control all of Thailand, how about he invest some of his 400 billion baht in the Premier league. Bring in a really good professional coach, bring in a half dozen good professional players, give them Thai citizenship and bingo bango, you have a world class soccer team. :

Or you could spend all that money and end up like Manchester City.