The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) plans to take its former chief, Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, to court over the massive debts incurred during his tenure, according to FAT president Nualphan Lamsam during a press conference on Tuesday.
FAT, already financially struggling, was dealt another blow when the Supreme Court mandated the association compensate Siam Sport Syndicate Plc with 360 million baht for the “unfair” termination of a privileges and TV rights contract.
On March 6, the Supreme Court rejected an appeal by FAT, upholding a previous judgment against the association.
The press event, intended to review Nualphan’s first year in office, quickly focused on the pressing debt issues facing FAT.
Nualphan expressed her intention to sue Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, the former FAT chief, and his executive board, attributing the financial mismanagement to their governance.
During his eight-year tenure as head of the national association, Somyot terminated the contract with Siam Sport in 2016.
In a record-breaking election last February, Nualphan became the FAT’s first female president, securing 68 of 73 votes.
“The way things are, we will sue Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, the former FAT chief, and the executive board at that time because all this happened during Somyot’s era,” said Nualphan.
She described inheriting a challenging situation, being left with minimal funds and significant debt, compounded by a necessary loan from FIFA, which requires repayment in annual installments deducted from the association’s support funds.
“These problems were left for me to solve. I am a woman with a kind heart, and I feel bad every time we talk about bad things,” said Nualphan.
“After Somyot’s era, the FAT had only 27 million baht in its account with a debt of 132 million baht. We also borrowed money from FIFA to the tune of another 155 million baht, and have to pay it in annual installments with FIFA deducting the amount from our support money,” she added.
Regarding the Supreme Court’s decision, Nualphan noted, “The cancellation of the contract with Siam Sport caused significant damage to the Thai football industry.”
“The 360 million baht has become a debt that the FAT will have to pay.”
“I respect the judgment of the Supreme Court. The termination of the Siam Sports contract was not correct or fair, and it all happened before I took over as the FAT president.”
“I have decided to bring this matter to the attention of the FAT executive board immediately because in the lawsuit under Section 76 of the Civil and Commercial Act, the second defendants were the former FAT chief and the executive board at that time.”
Nualphan highlighted the accomplishments of the FAT during her tenure, particularly emphasizing the national team’s strong showing in several tournaments and the successful hosting of the FIFA Congress in Bangkok last year.
