The Nation January 15, 2013 1:00 am

Thai soccer has signed up the English Premier League's master strategist in a bid to boost its standards and profile to the international level.

EPL chairman Sir David Richards will take up the role of consultant for the auction of the three-year TV broadcast rights for the Thai Premier League, said Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi.

Current broadcaster TrueVisions is in the last year of its contract, with the auction for a new three year TV deal to be held in March.

The Thai FA boss says Richards will not only act as consultant for the auction but also lend his expertise to the organisation of the country's football leagues.

"Sir David Richards has agreed to become a consultant for our association. He will look at the organisation of our leagues in particular," said Worawi.

Worawi says the appointment of such a high profile expert mirrors the growth of Thai football in recent years.

"It shows that our football league has grown considerably over the last few years. Our first tier league now is regarded among the top five in the continent and No 1 in Southeast Asia.

"We expect to earn annual income of around Bt600 million from the new TV deal. Foreign companies will join the bidding process, while several of the country's cable TV operators have also expressed their interest."

Each Thai Premier League team is expected to earn Bt15 million from television revenue in the 2014 season plus Bt20 million each for the next two years.

If the thai authorities are looking for a SUSTAINABLE model IMO they should look for advice and

guidance from the German bundesleague,not the premier league.

I agree with that however can understand them looking at the popularity of the EPL.

Also the 4 year elections for FAT Controller are this year so Worawi showing clubs some cash can only enhance his chances. Although I note at 15M a club that accounts for 300 of the 600M!

Sent from Android please excuse errors in type or judgement