The CMFC soap opera continues and I doubt anyone is surprised.
As of this afternoon the news from CM LIVE TV on facebook is that the intended new investor has withdrawn and that Khun Montri Hanjai (Big Tai), a former GM at CMFC and now the President of the Chiang Mai Sports Association, has also now withdrawn his support.
Big Tai had taken on the role of fixer/intermediary for CMFC; lining up new investors, negotiating the club’s sale and purchase, fixing the club licensing and negotiating payment by K. Sand of the debts incurred by the club last season.
The cancelation of last week’s meeting between himself, Brazilian and Thai investors and representatives of Christ FC may have been the final straw.
With no clear direction for the club, and no agreement between the parties, Big Tai appears to have decided, not unreasonably, that there is no more that he can do.
He has called a press conference for 10am on Wednesday morning.
With exactly one month until T3 teams enter the Revo and FA Cups in the first week of September no new players have been signed, no home stadium agreed and no kit suppliers and sponsors signed up.
Entries to the REVO Cup and Chang FA Cup were due this week. T3 player registration is due by 5pm on 13 August.,,,with two extra days to process foreign players’ documents.
Stadium details, and approved colours for home, away and third kits are due by 22 August.
As for the club’s facebook page – the password is still held by Khun Sand who has blocked all access to the page.
In addition it appears from CM Live TV that CMFC have only agreed payment terms for approximately one half of the outstanding debt.
Tomorrow’s press conference will hopefully address many of these issues.
While the club still exists there is hope for fans.
A couple of possible options: play in the semi-pro league for a season and then aim to come back to T3 and beyond.
Merge CMFC operations with “Christ FC” – a football academy already well established in Mae Rim with players, coaching and admin staff, kits and budgets. The senior Christ FC team has already played this summer in the 2024 OIS Thailand SibSan cup for Chiang Mai’s leading amateur sides.
Stay tuned!