Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Somyot Poompunmuang has admitted that “biased refereeing” destroyed the reputation of domestic leagues, as reported by Bangkok Post.
In a meeting of Thai League Co yesterday, the FAT president raised his voice to oppose the local referees’ behaviour of “doing favors to certain teams and persons in exchange for personal gains”.
“We have reached a stage that even the local fans don’t trust the Thai referees and it is hurting the image of our country,” said Somyot.
“I have been warding off calls to get foreign referees to officiate in important FA Cup and League Cup matches.
“As the chief of Thai football, it is my job to encourage the Thai referees and I would like to see them perform their duties in a befitting manner.
“The finals of the League Cup and FA Cup have been assigned to Thai referees and I hope that they would make the most of these opportunities and prove themselves.”
