Football Association of Thailand (FAT) has squashed rumours that former Leicester City manager Claudio Ranieri is being linked to coach the national team.
Previously, the 65-year-old Italian tactician was reported in the running to take over as the new head coach of The War Elephants following the Kiatisuk Senamuang’s resignation.
Ranieri has links to Thailand following his successful stint with the Premier League champions, who are owned by a Thai tycoon.
“About Claudio Ranieri [rumour], that is just a joke,” FAT president Somyot Poompanmoung was quoted as saying by Goal Thailand.
“It was just a word to tease Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha [Leicester owner] whether we can bring the manager after his contract was terminated.
“Then, he replied that the cost [salary] will be £5million per year, so I said no and thank him.”
Former Thailand coach Winfried Schafer and ex-Sir Alex Ferguson’s assistant at Manchester United, Rene Meulensteen among the names rumoured to be under consideration by FAT.