The Football Association of Thailand has decided to make yet another switch of venue for Thailand's home matches should they reach the later rounds of the ongoing Asean Championship.
The FAT initially decided to use Thai Premier League club Muang Thong United's SCG ground to host the semi-finals and the final of the event, co-hosted by Thailand and Malaysia, due to the unavailability of Rajamangala and Supachalasai stadiums.
That decision sparked criticism from fans, who voiced concern that the SCG, with its capacity of 16,000, was too small to accommodate them.
However, the association has received a green light to switch the venue back to Supachalasai Stadium.
"We informed the AFF [Asean Football Federation] that if Thailand qualify for the semi-finals and the final we will play our home fixtures at Supachalasai Stadium, and we got clearance from them," said Ong-art Kohsinkha, secretary general of the FAT.
"They also agreed to the proposal that the Philippines v Myanmar match in the final round of group fixtures be played at Supachalasai on Friday."
Ong-art insisted Supachalasai would host the game whether Thailand advanced to the last four as group winners or not.
"If we finish as runners-up in the group, we have to play the first leg at home in the semi-finals on December 8.
"It's not a problem because we moved another event, which clashed, to a nearby venue. There will be no problem at all if we win the group because then we would first play away."
Commercial commitments are believed to be a main reason behind the FAT's decision to switch the venue. Suzuki, the tournament's main sponsors, needed to have its cars on display behind the goals but discovered there wasn't enough space at the SCG stadium.
Three-time champions Thailand lead the way in Group A with three points following an opening 2-1 victory over the Philippines. They were due to face Myanmar, who drew 1-1 with Vietnam, in their second match later yesterday evening.
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Article source: http://www.thethailandlinks.com/2012/11/28/thai-matches-switched-to-roomier-supachalasai-stadium/
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