The Thai League confirmed that Suphanburi FC will remain in T1 next season despite finishing in the relegation zone, to make up for the folding of PTT Rayong, who will be disbanding ahead of the 2020 season.
After the shocking news about PTT broke, keeping the team that finished 14th in the top division was always the likely scenario, detracting from the drama of what would have been a dramatic final day.
Suphanburi can thank their lucky stars for the league’s decision after a 5-2 loss on the final day against Chiangrai threatened to undo all of the hard work done by coach Adebayo Gbadebo in tightening up the defense during the second half of the season.
Since they are staying in the top flight, the second division will go ahead with only 17 teams next season. The League confirmed that they will not offer the same rescue from relegation to Siam Navy FC, who finished 16th in T2, meaning that the league is set to downsize.
The Thai League have confirmed that Siam Navy FC will not remain in T2 after some speculated that they will remain in the division to make up the numbers after PTT Rayong folded. The league will go ahead with only 17 teams next season. https://t.co/UyKkdfzMil
— Gian Chansrichawla (@GianChansricha1) October 30, 2019
PTT Rayong’s sudden decision means that their purpose-built PTT Stadium, one of the most iconic grounds in the division, will be left vacant. However, the province will still host a top-flight club next season, as Rayong FC have earned promotion to T1.