Electricity failed briefly at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City tonight as a torrential storm deluged Phuket FC's game against PTT Rayong. The game was called off at halftime with the score 0-0. Rain was still falling steadily one hour later.

PHUKET: A deal is expected to be signed between Phuket FC and a Brazilian club next week even if the Phuket team fails to negotiate its latest ''crisis match'' on Sunday.

Still in fifth spot but losing its chances of promotion from Division One, Phuket FC faces off with second side PTT Rayong in a crunch match.

Among the thousands of fans expected at the home ground, Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, will be Phuket Governor Maitree Intrusud and the marketing director for one of Brazil's top clubs, Cruzeiro Esporte Clube.

Phuket FC hopes to sign an MoU on Tuesday to ignite a player swap agreement that will ensure Phuket delivery of some extremely capable footballers.

Already Brazilian Dudu has proven to be an asset for Phuket and the hope is that he will be on the pitch and playing in top form on Sunday against PTT Rayong.

While Phuket appears certain to finish this season in Division One better placed than last year's 13th-placed position, their challenge for promotion to Premier League has faltered.

A loss away in Saraburi last weekend to the eighth-placed team did nothing to restore confidence.

With 22 points from 14 games so far, Phuket will need three-pointers and plenty of them to catch PTT Rayong and Air Force United, which sits at the top of the table with 34 points.

Anything is possible in football. Although Phuket went down 6-0 to PTT the last time the sides met, that was very much in the dark days when Phuket was struggling.

An injection of good players and sponsorship support generated by Phuket FC Chairman Pamuke Acariyachai have since revitalised Phuket.

With the Brazilian connection likely to bring long-term benefits to Phuket in terms of players and expertise, a change in fortunes just might materialise on Sunday.

Kickoff in Phuket City is at 6.30pm.