The Football Association of Thailand suddenly fired coach Masatada Ishii.

(NLDO) - On the afternoon of October 21, the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) suddenly announced the official termination of the contract with Japanese coach Masatada Ishii - ending two years of association.

Accordingly, this decision was made after the FAT Coaching Board and Technical Council determined that Mr. Ishii's management style and tactical orientation were no longer consistent with the long-term development vision of Thai football. The meeting between the two sides took place in a professional spirit, chaired by FAT Vice President Chanwit Phonchiwin.

"FAT's technical department assessed that the working orientation and coaching philosophy are no longer consistent with the federation's development path" - part of FAT's announcement.

Accordingly, the FAT technical committee, led by Vice President Chanwit Phonchiwin, Councilor Piyapong Pue-on and Secretary General Ekapol Phonnawi, met with coach Ishii.

FAT said the separation came from “differences in team management philosophy”, and acknowledged coach Ishii’s efforts and dedication during his tenure. Since his appointment in December 2023, he has led the Thai team in 30 matches, winning 16 (53% win rate), helping the “war elephants” maintain a disciplined and organized playing style.

FAT also sent gratitude to the Japanese strategist and affirmed that the personnel change is part of the team restructuring plan, aiming to raise the level of Thai football in the continent.

The FAT technical department is urgently looking for a successor, expected to be announced before FIFA Days in November, when Thailand will face Singapore and Sri Lanka in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.

Thai fans are waiting for the identity of the new coach - the one expected to bring the "War Elephants" back to the top of the region.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/ldbd-thai-lan-bat-ngo-sa-thai-hlv-masatada-ishii-196251021180949472.htm