Nara United Boss Apologizes After Failed License Appeal

Affan Hayiyuso, chairman of Nara United, posted an apology to the club's supporters after the appeals process ended unsuccessfully regarding the club's failure to obtain a league license. Nara United had been promoted from Thai League 3 to Thai League 2 but encountered licensing problems and was initially rejected by the Football Association of Thailand's licensing committee. Though the club had the right to appeal, the appeals committee has upheld the original decision, ruling that Nara United failed to submit required club licensing documentation by the specified deadline for Thai League 2 and Thai League 3 play in the 2026/27 season. As a result, the club must restart at the semi-professional level, and Mueang Loei United—which finished fourth in Thai League 3 last season—will be promoted to Thai League 2 in their place, along with Uttaradit FC and PT Stool FC.

Following the ruling, Hayiyuso posted a message apologizing to Nara United supporters and all residents of Narathiwat. In the statement, he expressed that he accepts full responsibility for the disappointment caused and vowed not to abandon the club. "The only thing I can do is prove myself through action," he wrote. "Today we may have to start counting from one again, but I promise to turn every lesson and every mistake into strength to build a stronger and better-standardized club, and to ensure this mistake never happens again. I will not give up and will not abandon this club. I still believe that one day we will stand at an even higher place than before, and when that day comes, that victory will belong to all of us. Thank you to everyone who still loves and believes in Nara United. No matter what happens, I will move forward with this club to the best of my ability."