Thai League 2 To Use VAR Only In Final Five Matches
Thai League 2 will use VAR technology only in the final five matches of the 2026-27 season due to the Football Association's 360 million baht debt, while Thai League 1 will continue full VAR coverage every week.
The Football Association of Thailand announced that professional football in Thai League 2 for the 2026-27 season will use VAR technology only during the final five matches and playoff rounds. This cost-cutting measure is necessary due to the association's substantial debt burden of 360 million baht accumulated previously, with approximately 200 million baht still to be paid monthly. The association must carefully manage its budget and spending for the 2026-27 season to align with its financial status while continuing to oversee all competitions under its operation, including men's and women's professional leagues.
The association hopes that member clubs in Thai League 2 and all football fans will understand the reasons and necessity behind this decision. The Thai League 2, which officially begins on September 4, will not use video assistant referee technology except for the final five matches of the season. In contrast, Thai League 1 professional football will continue to use VAR technology in every match every week throughout the 2026-27 season with the full VAR Cross Hair 3D system, similar to the 2025-26 season.
Regarding club subsidies across all professional football levels, the association confirms that support amounts will remain unchanged. Thai League 1 clubs will receive 15 million baht each, Thai League 2 clubs will receive 4 million baht each, and Thai League 3 clubs will receive 1.25 million baht each. The Football Association of Thailand thanks all member clubs, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, sponsors, and Thai football fans for their continued support and understanding of the association's situation.
