Courtesy: The Nation


Futsal debacle should serve as lesson to Thailand

November 10, 2012

Those responsible for the failure to complete new sports arena should acknowledge their part in the embarrassment caused to the country

Fifa's rejection of the Bangkok Futsal Arena should serve as a lesson to Thailand, should the country plan to host another international sporting event in the future. The delay in the completion of the stadium and an inadequate public-relations campaign show that success will require full cooperation from all parties involved in organisation.

The 7th Futsal World Cup currently being held in Thailand should have drawn positive attention to the country. But the event has been marred by controversy. It seems a number of factors have led to Fifa's decision not to use the new Bt1.3-billion arena. The rejection has also revealed, once again, the true colours of politicians who are ready to pass the blame to others and refuse to take their share of responsibility.

Instead of helping the organisers figure out what to do next to restore trust in Thailand as a good host for future events, the politicians among the organisers are blaming each other in the press and in Parliament. The main target is Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra, who is expected to run for re-election soon.

Politicians from the Pheu Thai Party are keen to pass all blame on to Sukhumbhand and the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), although other parties are also involved in hosting the event.

Pheu Thai spokesman Prompong Nopparit has demanded that the governor resign. What's more interesting is the comment from Deputy Prime Minister and Tourism and Sports Minister Chumpol Silpa-archa, who should have taken primary responsibility. Chumpol said he realised a long time ago that the arena would never be ready in time.

Ironically, the main figure behind this debacle has been conspicuously left out of the criticism - that is Football Association of Thailand (FAT) president Worawi Makudi. Woradi is also the Thai government's trade representative. Worawi insisted that the BMA construct the stadium in Nong Chok. Another figure who has so far avoided flak is Suwat Liptapanlop, chairman of the organising committee.

The abrupt changes of venue will, fortunately, not disrupt the Futsal World Cup because Thailand has other stadiums, such as Nimibutr and Hua Mark, which are capable of hosting international tournaments. But the lessons of this episode must be learned, because Thailand aims to host many other such events. Thailand has all the necessary resources to do so. What it doesn't have is full cooperation among all political sides.

The delay in the arena's construction is a result of budgetary problems, floods last year and, most importantly, a lack of cooperation among the agencies involved. The Football Association should have set up committees to handle the tournament's organisation, including transport and logistics, in the same way as organising committees do for the Olympic Games.

An international event of this significance should have drawn sponsors and positive publicity. After all, some of the association's executive members are prominent figures in government.

The BMA and Football Association's miscalculation in the time needed to build the arena should not raise eyebrows, nor Fifa's rejection of it. Let's hope the venue will be completed and used for future sports events.

The public wants accountability from people in charge. The BMA and Sukhumbhand have tried to explain the problems. Others need to be held accountable as well.






Posted by Luca Ranocchiari --> luca.ranocchiari@futsalplanet.com