AFC : Worawi Makudi re-elected at the head of the Thai Association

Worawi Makudi has been re-elected president of the FAT (Football Association of Thailand), on the 17/10/2013. In office since 2007, the leader begins his fourth term as head of the association. Worawi Makudi beat Virach Chanpanich by 42 votes to 22.

Makudi announced that his mandate will focus on the development of professional football in Thailand, particularly by improving the management of the Association. "I still want Thailand to qualify for the World Cup, but to do so is another matter. We must do our best, but we can not set ourselves disproportionate goals", he said.

Representatives of FIFA (Federation Internationale de Football Association) and the AFC (Asian Football Confederation) attended the vote. Virach Chanpanich contested the election and is considering legal action.

During his last term, Worawi Makudi introduced reforms reducing the number of clubs allowed to vote in FAT elections (184 to 72) in June 2013. The measure has been criticised by opponents who say the reforms only serve to strengthen his election chances.

The leader was also accused in 2011 of using the FAT…