Thai Football Chief Says AFF Cup Broadcasting Rights Beyond Association Control
Thailand's football chief says the AFF Cup broadcasting rights are controlled by other entities beyond the association's reach, leaving fans unable to watch matches on free TV despite the national team's strong 2-0 record in Group B.
Niwatpol Lamsam, president of the Football Association of Thailand, revealed that the broadcasting rights for the 2026 AFF Hunday Cup are not in the association's hands and are beyond its control. The Thai national team has displayed strong form, defeating Laos 5-0 and Malaysia 2-0 to lead Group B with full six points and remain undefeated in the tournament. However, many Thai fans have voiced frustration about being unable to watch matches on free television, as rights holder Sport Five sold the rights to TrueVisions, which broadcasts exclusively on the TrueVisions Now application.
Regarding this issue, Lamsam, who is among the committee members eligible to vote for a new director of Thailand's national sports authority, stated that if the broadcasting rights were in the association's hands, it could resolve the matter for Thai fans without issue. However, when rights belong to other entities, they are beyond the association's control and management.
Lamsam emphasized that sports are important in all dimensions, and whoever takes on the role of sports authority director must promote sports properly for Thai people and children, which will impact human development, national development, and international relations, while serving as a pillar for Thailand to stand proudly on the world stage. She praised the team's recent victories over Malaysia, a win not achieved in many years, and called for fan support as the team prepares to visit the Philippines and play Myanmar at Suphachalasai Stadium.
Lamsam highlighted the team's squad rotation, with nearly ten new players debuting and showing courage on the pitch. She noted that football welcomes players of all ages, citing examples like Lionel Messi, still playing at 39, and younger talents like goalkeeper Mick Yoskorn Buropa, who kicked a penalty and inspired confidence among younger players. She acknowledged the association's efforts to resolve off-field issues and promised continued development of the team's performance on the pitch. Regarding broadcasting rights, she reiterated that while the association would manage matters perfectly if it held the rights, decisions outside its control are beyond her ability to influence, and she thanked all fans and supporters of the Thai national team.
