Chanaathip Escapes Punishment for Receiving Flare from Fans – Thai FA Fined Over 720,000 Baht
Thai midfielder Chanaathip Songkrasin escaped disciplinary action after receiving a flare from fans during Thailand's 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan in March, but the Thai Football Association was fined 720,000 baht by the AFC for allowing flares in the stadium. Thailand has been drawn in a difficult group with Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round.
Chanaathip Songkrasin, the Thai national team's midfielder and captain, escaped punishment after receiving a flare from football fans following Thailand's 2-1 home victory over Turkmenistan on March 31, which secured the team's advancement to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round in Saudi Arabia. The AFC (Asian Football Confederation) has issued a fine of 22,500 US dollars, approximately 720,000 baht, to the Thai Football Association for violating regulations by allowing flares to be lit during the match. Chanaathip himself faced no disciplinary sanctions whatsoever for receiving the flare. Thailand has drawn a challenging group for the AFC Asian Cup 2027 final round, grouped alongside Japan, Qatar, and Indonesia.