G: What challenges has Muang Loei United faced as a result of COVID-19?
A: So the biggest challenge is getting the fanbase back. Last year we moved our stadium from Wang Saphung stadium to the riverside stadium in the city of Muang Loei, so we are capturing the fanbase of the old Loei city to become Muang Loei United [supporters]. So the second game, there was a big crowd of people, there were 2000 people watching the game. Which is a good thing, because it’s the first time where the Loei city fanbase has come back to cheer for the only team in Loei. But still, the biggest problem is that, after COVID, we never know what is going to happen. Is the fanbase coming back? Or, how will the momentum of the team be like? So that is the biggest problem we face during COVID right now.
G: How has the break affected your sponsorship deals? So in general, the money coming in through your sponsors – are you still with them? Are they going to have trouble paying you this year?
A: I mean, of course, we are not like the big T1 or T2 teams. Our main sponsor is still with us but our smaller sponsors right now have trouble dealing with money and we understand them because they have been with us for a long time, and we will do our best as a club to move forward to the best solution. But also, we kind of understand how the situation is and money might have to wait, but you know, we are not going to leave our sponsor or the sponsor will not leave us. But, in the meantime, we are trying to find more sponsors to fill in the gap. Or maybe some people have that business opportunity where they see the club rising or the opportunity for us to go to T2 this year and could invest in us. We are open to all sponsors right now.
G: So, do you think you will be able to manage financially until September with the current situation and how are your revenue streams from other areas doing?
A: So our financial situation right now is not critical, it’s in a steady place because right now we have released some of the players so we can reduce our salary costs and be able to sustain the money flowing in the club. Our biggest financial income will be from the clubs’ sales of shirts, since this year we have the best design*, and we’re pretty proud of that. And also, this shirt design makes us generate more shirt sales than any other year, and that is an income that is feeding our club right now.
*Muang Loei’s kit was recognized for having the best design in all divisions of Thai football this season