HOPES of FC Phuket having a chance to replay their game against Bangkok FC are still alive! A ferocious storm ended the match last weekend with six minutes still to play, and FC Phuket losing 2-5.
But while there's six minutes to play, there's hope.
Thai Premier League Co Ltd ruled late yesterday that the six lost minutes should be played the next time it's possible to bring the two teams together in Bangkok, where Sunday's match took place.
But - and it's a big but - the Football Association of Thailand still has to approve yesterday's decision.
If they don't agree, anything can happen.
The three options considered by officials yesterday were: a replay of the entire game; playing out the unplayed six minutes in Bangkok; playing out the unplayed six minutes in Phuket.
People all over Thailand are looking at the rule books and at historical records to see whether there's a precedent for such an unusual event.
FC Phuket's expert consultant, Narubets Ayurong, said today that it may be necessary to take the unusual situation as high as Fifa - soccer's international governing body - to gain a sensible resolution.
Phuket was fifth on the ladder and Bangkok 16th before Sunday's wet-weather match and its inconclusive finish.
FC Phuket officials say the fixture followed a sleepless night for the Phuket team because of a Bangkok concert nearby, and a long bus trip with no leg room for the players.
The Phuket Hulks have since made it back from Bangkok on their ageing bus and are now preparing to shape up against Thai Honda at 6pm on Sunday at home at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, weather permitting.
But while there's six minutes to play, there's hope.
Thai Premier League Co Ltd ruled late yesterday that the six lost minutes should be played the next time it's possible to bring the two teams together in Bangkok, where Sunday's match took place.
But - and it's a big but - the Football Association of Thailand still has to approve yesterday's decision.
If they don't agree, anything can happen.
The three options considered by officials yesterday were: a replay of the entire game; playing out the unplayed six minutes in Bangkok; playing out the unplayed six minutes in Phuket.
People all over Thailand are looking at the rule books and at historical records to see whether there's a precedent for such an unusual event.
FC Phuket's expert consultant, Narubets Ayurong, said today that it may be necessary to take the unusual situation as high as Fifa - soccer's international governing body - to gain a sensible resolution.
Phuket was fifth on the ladder and Bangkok 16th before Sunday's wet-weather match and its inconclusive finish.
FC Phuket officials say the fixture followed a sleepless night for the Phuket team because of a Bangkok concert nearby, and a long bus trip with no leg room for the players.
The Phuket Hulks have since made it back from Bangkok on their ageing bus and are now preparing to shape up against Thai Honda at 6pm on Sunday at home at Surakul Stadium in Phuket City, weather permitting.
