The Thai coach spoke about the possibility of leaving the AFF 2020 Cup

Earlier, speaking to the press, the president of the Thai Football Federation (FAT), Somyot Poompanmuang, said that Thailand is unable to attend the 2020 AFF Cup because the Thai League was affected by the Covid-19 epidemic, especially “war elephants”. “He wants to focus on qualifying for the 2022 Asia World Cup.

On April 28, during the hour-long meeting of the Thai Football Federation (FAT), on the plan to develop youth football, the AFF Cup 2020 was mentioned again. After deciding that the Thai League would only return In September, FAT was hesitant to have sent a team to the 2020 AFF Cup.

The difficulty for the Thai team is that the AFF 2020 Cup takes place in November, not in the FIFA competition system, so clubs have the right not to release players. After the April 28 meeting, Secretary-General Parit Suphaphong’s right recognized that it would be a failure in many ways if Thailand did not attend the 2020 AFF Cup.

Meanwhile, in the last speech to the press, head coach Akira Nishino also expects the teams to show their responsibility to the national team.

“I want the maximum cooperation from the clubs in the Thai league, in releasing the players. Once football can return, we need to have a specific plan. Thailand needs to maintain stability as well as warm up after a long time without playing.” Coach Akira Nishino said.

In addition to the AFF Cup, the Japanese strategist also mentioned that the important tournament is the qualifier for the 2022 World Cup: “We have to be well prepared for the qualifiers for the 2022 World Cup. The remaining 3 matches of the qualifier are very important.” important to the Thai team. “

According to the FAT, if FIFA and AFC have decided on a new schedule (FIFA requests that football not take place before September), after controlling the Covid-19 pandemic, coach Akira Nishino plans to target Thai players. . Back from August.

The FAT boss announced that the future of “War Elephants” at the AFF Cup 2020 will be decided by coach Akira Nishino.

“We have to wait for the tournament to return, as well as for the attitude of coach Akira Nishino. The fate of the team with the AFF 2020 Cup depends entirely on Nishino. We believe he has his own decision.” Himself, “emphasized FAT President Somyot Poompanmuang.

Thuy Anh