The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has imposed a financial penalty on the Football Association of Thailand following a flare incident during Thailand’s AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers clash against Turkmenistan National Football Team earlier this year.
Thailand were fined a total of US$22,500 (approximately RM88,818) after supporters ignited flares inside Rajamangala National Stadium during post-match celebrations following the War Elephants’ 2-1 victory over Turkmenistan in the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Qualifiers Third Round Group D encounter on March 31.
The victory confirmed Thailand’s qualification to the AFC Asian Cup 2027 Finals and sparked emotional celebrations among home supporters, particularly in the stadium’s South Zone section, where flares were lit shortly after the final whistle.
The situation drew even greater attention after Thai captain Chanathip Songkrasin was seen celebrating alongside fans while holding a flare during the post-match celebration.
According to AFC disciplinary action, the Football Association of Thailand received a US$15,000 fine related to supporter misconduct involving the use of pyrotechnics, while an additional US$7,500 penalty was imposed due to security and safety shortcomings at the venue.
Meanwhile, the visiting Turkmenistan side were also sanctioned by AFC and fined US$1,800 after six of their players received cautions during the highly physical encounter.
Credit Photo : Dailynews
