Contract in Kiatisak's hands: FA chief

Speaking on the sidelines of a conference to unveil a 10-year extension to the FA's sponsorship deal with Thaibev worth of Bt1 billion on Wednesday, Somyot said he foresaw no obstacles to Kiatisak putting pen to paper and staying in a post he has held since 2013.

“I’ve been in constant contact with Zico [Kiatisak’s nickname] but that didn’t make the news," said the Thai FA boss. "And we have never had a problem as has been reported. I talked to him on Tuesday about the terms of the new contract.

“Zico and his legal team are currently considering the details of the deal. We had talks about what is required [under the new contract] that wasn't in the previous contract. For example, he may now have to host a [soccer] clinic upcountry. That’s one of the [new] duties being stated clearly in the deal.

“Should Zico agree, we will continue working together. As far as I’m concerned, he’s willing to do whatever we say.     

“I’m unable to disclose the details of the contract in terms of wages or the length of the deal. In the event he fails to sign, we have a contingency plan, but I see no reason why he should not renew his contract. He could start work as soon as he signs.

“As for the performance evaluation, in principle we should allow a coach to work until the end of a major event. But it’s not a case of being able to make a change whenever we want.

“The Thai team still have to play another five games in the last 12-team round of Asia’s World Cup qualifying. If we have poor results, I don’t think we have to fire him. I think he’s the kind of person who knows what he should do.

“I would like to make it clear that there is no problem between me and Zico. I only wanted to spice things up when asked by media -- actually there’s no issue between us.”