The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) have confirmed their decision made on Friday that the 2016 football season is now over.
Despite the government stating that sporting events would be allowed during the 30 day mourning period, the FAT reaffirmed their original decision at a meeting this morning.
Four clubs had officially informed the FAT that they did not wish to continue which obviously went someway to them coming to their final decision. The four clubs were Buriram, Suphanburi, Chiangrai and Super Power Samut Prakhon (Osotspa).
That leaves Muang Thong as Thai League Champions and Bangkok United as runners-up.
Relegated are BBCU, Chainat and Army United. It is particularly harsh on Chainat and Army as the relegation battle was tight, with several clubs involved. If this is final, Chainat have stated that they will go out of business.
One suggestion that has been made to me is that the FAT could’ve gone with 1 down and 3 up. Then the following season 4 down and 2 up. This makes a lot of sense.
Division One Champions are Thai Honda with Ubon UHT and United Port joining them in the top flight next season.
A report that the League Cup has now been shared between Buriram and Muang Thong has not been confirmed. Lots could still be drawn along with the FA Cup. ( semi-finalists Ratchaburi, Sukothai and Chainat. Chonburi have withdrawn.)
Whether these draws go ahead is another matter. The FA Cup winners qualify for the preliminary round of the Asian Champions League and ground suitability will be a factor.
Therefore some clubs could be eliminated from the draw anyway, Chainat (possibly) and Chonburi obviously.
There is still a strong feeling of injustice regarding relegated Chainat and Army, as there are another five clubs who could possibly have gone down had the fixtures been completed.
As mentioned earlier, it could be the end of Chainat as a club and both they and Army are lodging an appeal.
Thailand’s World Cup qualifier against Australia on November 15 in Bangkok ,is still shrouded in uncertainty. It has yet to be officially confirmed that the game will go ahead in Thailand, even though the 30 days mourning period will have finished.
It will definitely NOT be played in Australia and an unconfirmed statement says the game could be played behind closed doors. Singapore is another possibility.