October 18, 2006	Wednesday	Ramazan 24, 1427

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BANGKOK, Oct 17: Thailand was handed a 90-day reprieve on Tuesday to upgrade its facilities or face being dumped as a co-host for next year's Asian Cup finals.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) secretary-general Peter Velappan said he understood that preparations had been affected by the Kingdom's political crisis and was confident the new military-backed government would support the event.

“We appreciate there has been a change of government, we have to accept that,” Velappan told reporters.

“Thailand must respect this deadline and set things in motion.”

Thailand's government was ousted in a military coup on Sept. 19 after months of political stalemate had left the country without a sitting parliament and a caretaker government unable to make key budgetary decisions.

The new interim Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont pledged to give his full support to the tournament at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Thai soccer officials said.

The Kingdom is due to co-host the 2007 Asian Cup with Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia from July 7-29.

An AFC delegation visited Bangkok's Rajamangala and Supachalasai stadiums on Monday and expressed dissatisfaction with the playing surfaces, floodlights and facilities for players, media and VIPs.

It also said organisers had done little to promote the event or generate support from the public or sponsors – and threatened to allow Singapore to take Thailand's place.

But Velappan said he was reluctant to deny the Kingdom its chance to host the tournament and said he was convinced the new government would give its full support.

“We have only eight months, it's not much time,” he said.

“But it was important for me to make sure Bangkok remained as a host. Thailand is a very important part of Asian football.”

“The (tourism and sport) minister told the prime minister he needs help and he received a very positive response,” he added.The AFC will return to Bangkok on Nov 15 to monitor its progress and will meet on Nov 24 to make a final decision on whether the four hosts are ready.

If Bangkok's stadiums are not upgraded within 90 days, Singapore is likely to take over, Velappan said.

He also urged the Thai national side to improve, saying the public would only support the tournament if the team was playing well.

“The Thai national team must be on the right track with professional preparation,” he said. “The success of the Asian Cup depends on the success of the Thai team.”

Chaiyapak Siriwat, chairman of Thailand's Asian Cup organising committee, said he was relieved an extension had been granted but said the ball was now in the government's court.

“It was close – they were going to give it to Singapore,” Chaiyapak said.

“I tried to explain that it wasn't our fault. The details were agreed before the crisis. We have only 90 days to do this.

It's up to the government now.”—Reuters