In 2016, then-FAT president Somyot Poompanmoung unilaterally terminated a television broadcast rights contract for FAT-organized tournaments with Siam Sport Co., Ltd. On 6/3/2025, the Supreme Court of Thailand issued its final ruling, finding FAT liable. FAT was ordered to pay 360 million baht in compensation, plus approximately 200 million baht in bank interest calculated from the lawsuit's filing date on 5/2/2016.

The lawsuit also involved a dispute between Siam Sport and TrueVisions. Consequently, Siam Sport was required to pay 240 million baht plus interest.

Football Association of Thailand President Nualphan Lamsam attended the Madam Cup 2025-2026 7-a-side football tournament draw in Bangkok, Thailand on 13/2. Photo: Madam Pang

Immediately after the court's verdict, current FAT President Nualphan Lamsam, known as "Madam Pang", engaged with the leadership of Siam Sport and TrueVisions. The parties reached an agreement to pay only the principal debt, waiving interest, for the benefit of Thai football.

As part of the settlement, FAT will pay 240 million baht to TrueVisions on behalf of Siam Sport. The debt directly owed to Siam Sport was reduced to 120 million baht, of which 105 million has already been paid. FAT stated the remaining 15 million is expected to be paid in March.

TrueVisions is a long-standing sponsor of FAT. The Federation has worked with the company on a long-term payment plan, which may involve returning some sponsorship benefits or reverse sponsorship arrangements.

FAT also borrowed 155 million baht from FIFA in 2020, to be repaid in 10 installments until 2030. However, FIFA implemented a repayment method by reducing FAT's annual subsidy from 42 million to 25 million baht per year.

This debt had put significant pressure on Madam Pang's tenure managing FAT. The female President even shed tears at the press conference announcing the matter on 11/3/2025.

Subsequently, Madam Pang proposed a special campaign named "Thais love Thai football", which was approved by the FAT Board of Directors. The campaign aims to help FAT repay its debts and foster sustainable development for Thai football. It comprises three components: selling t-shirts with the campaign's name, tax-deductible donations, and fundraising activities with the private sector, such as concerts, theater plays, or friendly football matches.

Despite the debt, efforts to maintain and develop Thai football continue. Broadcast rights for Thai League tournaments were sold to three parties for 2 billion baht for the 2025-2026 to 2028-2029 period, with an option for two additional seasons. FAT also increased financial support for clubs across three divisions, payable in four installments. Accordingly, subsidies for Thai League 1 clubs increased from 10 to 15 million baht, Thai League 2 from 3 to 4 million, and Thai League 3 from 1 to 1.25 million.

Trung Thu (according to Siam Sport)