A set of 30 new voters to represent the six regional leagues (Division Two) at the Football Association of Thailand presidential elections on Feb 11 was elected on Friday.
Mrs Anong Lojai protests at Friday’s election.
However, Friday’s polls to replace those elected during the reign of suspended FAT president Worawi Makudi, organised by the Fifa-appointed normalisation committee, weren’t without controversy.
Thavatchai Sajakul, one of the presidential candidates, and former Surat Thani FC chairperson Mrs Anong Lojai protested at the meeting to elect the regional leagues’ voters at the Sports Authority of Thailand (SAT) headquarters.
Pathum Thani Seeker FC chairman Apisit Chaleekul also lodged a protest at the meeting, but the normalisation committee was able to proceed and complete the electoral process.
Adm Surawut Maharom.
At the end of the election staged by Adm Surawut Maharom-led normalisation panel, only two clubs were able to retain their voting rights in the Feb 11 FAT presidential polls as 28 new teams claimed the right to cast ballots.
Division Two (third tier) comprises six regional leagues, with each having the right to cast five votes at the FAT election.
Of the total 72 Division Two clubs, 52 were present at yesterday’s meeting, which lasted more than two hours.
The total number of voters at the FAT election will be 72, including 18 each from the Thai Premier League and League One and six from minor competitions.
Former national team manager Thavatchai, who is among the six seeking the FAT presidential post, said at the meeting: “I am here to observe the process.
“The committee had appended a power of attorney with the invitations sent out to the clubs for today’s vote, which would have allowed the teams to nominate representatives to vote here.
“This is in conflict with the FAT constitution that does not allow any sort of proxy votes. It also opens the door to vote buying.
“The committee has been appointed by Fifa to conduct the FAT election but that does not empower them to rewrite the existing rules and regulations.
“I will file a lawsuit with the Administrative Court and also lodge a complaint with Fifa.”
Earlier, Mrs Anong protested against the normalisation committee’s decision to allow new Surat Thani FC chairman Somchart Praditporn to cast vote on behalf of the club yesterday.
Somchart is said to have been recognised as the club’s chairman by the Surat Thani Sports Association.
However, Mrs Anong claimed that she was the Surat Thani FC chairperson recognised by the FAT and threatened to take the case to Fifa and the Court of Arbitration for Sport if she was denied her rights.
Adm Surawut said after the meeting: “We are happy that the election for the representatives of the regional leagues was held with success.
“We are confident that there will not be any problems afterwards. The 30 representatives elected today will have the right to cast votes at the FAT presidential election on Feb 11.”
Apart from Thavatchai, Pol Gen Somyot Poompunmuang, Charnwit Phalajivin, Pinit Sasinin, Natthapol Teepsuwan and Chaisap Tharat Rittem are in the race to replace Worawi, who is suspended by Fifa, as FAT president.
Former national police chief Somyot and ex-national football team coach Charnwit are regarded as the front-runners.