Visit of 4 top Euro teams will cost 1 Billion Baht

Visits by four of Europe's biggest teams will cost close to Bt1 billion, but Thailand gets little lasting benefit



This issue came into sharp focus again after Singha Corporation revealed they paid around Bt400 million for the visit by Manchester United and Chelsea, with whom they have lucrative sponsorship contracts as global partners. It meant the total cost for bringing the four clubs to Thailand could be just short of Bt1 billion.

But that sort of money could yield a massive improvement to Thai football if spent on facilities or local development.

Would it not be wiser to spend such vast sums on something more tangible than just brief appearances by star players?

Read the full article at The Nation.

Pattaya FC put Manchester United and Chelsea's pre-season visits to Thailand in jeopardy.

Manchester United and Chelsea's pre-season plans are in danger of being thrown into chaos - by a fourth-tier team from Thailand.



Pattaya FC successfully won an injuction that prevented a vote of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) taking place at the weekend which should have confirmed amendments to their rules in line with FIFA requirements.

The world governing body has taken a dim view of the development and warned the FAT they risk being suspended from international competition should a resolution not be reached by the beginning of next week.

Whilst the internal machinations of Thai football do not normally generate much interest in the UK, in this instance the impact of any suspension would affect both United and Chelsea,who are due to visit at the start of their pre-season campaigns next month.

Read the full article at The Mail Online.

Ferguson irked by 'dying swan' Luiz

Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson accused Chelsea's Brazilian defender David Luiz of acting like a "dying swan" in the incident that led to United defender Rafael da Silva being sent off in their encounter at Old Trafford.

Rag - Funniest thing I've read in ages. The manger who turns a blind eye to antics of the ultimate 'swan', Ashley Young, has the gall to criticise another team's player. Wind yer neck in Ferguson.....

Read the full article at the Bangkok Post.