Thailand signs strange contract with coach Mano Polking's replacement

Immediately after Thailand's victory over Singapore, FAT decided to fire coach Mano Polking. Instead, they appointed coach Masatada Ishii to the "hot seat" to replace him.

Although the head of the Thai football delegation, Nualphan Lamsam (nicknamed Madam Pang), directly fired coach Polking and replaced him with coach Ishii, the FAT is still the agency responsible for the contracts of the two coaches.

Madam Pang is the one who brought coach Masatada Ishii to the coaching chair of the Thai national team.

Recently, FAT President Somyot Poompanmoung revealed surprising information that Coach Ishii's contract is only valid for 3 months. That means the new Japanese coach can leave the Thai team right after the 2023 Asian Cup (taking place in January 2024).

Initially, Madam Pang offered to sign a 3-year contract with Coach Ishii, but Mr. Somyot only approved 3 months. The reason is that he only has 3 months left in his term as FAT President. After that, his replacement will solve the problem of Coach Ishii's future.

Sharing with Siam Sport, Mr. Somyot said: "Madam Pang came to see me. She said she wanted to fire coach Polking and appoint coach Ishii. I agreed with her suggestion. We always respect and trust each other.

So I gave Madam Pang the power to handle these cases. I did not interfere in the selection of the Thai national team coach. Regarding the contract term of Coach Ishii, I received an offer to sign for 3 years but I could not do that.

Coach Masatada Ishii's contract is only for 3 months. The new FAT President will decide his future (Photo: Buriram United).

At that time, people will gossip about why a president who is about to retire signed a 3-year contract with a new coach. I can only decide within my term. The rest will be handed over to the new president. That is the right way to behave."

Madam Pang is considered a strong candidate to succeed Mr. Somyot as FAT President. The vote to find a new FAT President will take place on February 8, 2024. In which, the success or failure of the Thai team at the 2023 Asian Cup can contribute a certain "voice".

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/thai-lan-ky-hop-dong-ky-la-voi-nguoi-thay-the-hlv-mano-polking-20231128100457841.htm