The Asean Football Federation is yet to make a decision on a change of venue for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup but there are strong indications that some matches in the biennial regional tournament will be moved from Bangkok to Phuket.
The Thai capital was slated to host Group B matches involving Vietnam, Malaysia, Laos and Thailand, beginning on December 6 but anti-government protests have resulted in the closure of the city's two main airports, causing the cancellation of hundreds of flights.
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi indicated earlier in the week that the tournament would go ahead as scheduled as it was too late to make changes so close to the event.
But with Thailand's airport authorities announcing on Saturday that the main terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport would remain closed for at least another two days, tournament organisers were actively looking at alternative options to Bangkok.
The Malaysian and Vietnamese FAs were reportedly keen to take over as hosts while Worawi was reported to have said that Phuket had been selected as the new venue.
However, AFF executive secretary Dato Yap Nyim Keong said that the facilities in the southern Thai island were still being evaluated and a firm decision on a change in venue had yet to be made.
"We are still waiting for a report from our people on the ground in Phuket," said Dato Yap to PA Sport.
"The information I have so far is quite positive but we want to ensure that everything meets the standards for hosting an international football tournament before making a final decision."
Group A matches involving defending champions Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia and Indonesia will take place as scheduled in Jakarta with the semi-finals and final to be play on a home-and-away basis.
Football Association of Thailand president Worawi Makudi indicated earlier in the week that the tournament would go ahead as scheduled as it was too late to make changes so close to the event.
But with Thailand's airport authorities announcing on Saturday that the main terminal at Suvarnabhumi Airport would remain closed for at least another two days, tournament organisers were actively looking at alternative options to Bangkok.
The Malaysian and Vietnamese FAs were reportedly keen to take over as hosts while Worawi was reported to have said that Phuket had been selected as the new venue.
However, AFF executive secretary Dato Yap Nyim Keong said that the facilities in the southern Thai island were still being evaluated and a firm decision on a change in venue had yet to be made.
"We are still waiting for a report from our people on the ground in Phuket," said Dato Yap to PA Sport.
"The information I have so far is quite positive but we want to ensure that everything meets the standards for hosting an international football tournament before making a final decision."
Group A matches involving defending champions Singapore, Myanmar, Cambodia and Indonesia will take place as scheduled in Jakarta with the semi-finals and final to be play on a home-and-away basis.
Copyright (c) Press Association
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