FAT to probe allegations of drug abuse among U-16 players

The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) is set to launch a probe into allegations of drug abuse and indiscipline among its under-16 players.

According to the local media, FAT secretary general Lt Gen Pol Pisan Chuldilok claimed some of the players had been caught smoking and with drugs in their possession.

"Some of the under-16 players severely breached our code of conduct by smoking and even possessing marijuana. They also stayed up late at night beyond the time permitted and did many other things we deem inappropriate," he said.

He said FAT had called the parents to inform them of their children's behaviour but that failed to prevent a repeat of the bad behaviour, prompting the association to send the problematic players home.

Thailand's Under-16 squad suffered a premature exit in the ongoing Asian Championship in India.

Pisan had also claimed that poor discipline among players had cost under-19 coach Chalermwut Sangapol his job.

"Chalermwut lost his post due to the poor disciplinary record of his team.

"They didn't turn up on time for training, sometimes arriving an hour later than scheduled. They also failed to dress properly at team meals," he said.

The FAT secretary-general said poor discipline among the national youth players was in stark contrast to the senior side who observed strict rules.

FAT president Gen Pol Somyot Poonpanmuang in an immediate reaction issued a statement to assure that the matter would be dealt with urgently, and would invite coaches and managers of the national team to "seek the truth." -- BERNAMA