U22 Thailand unexpectedly returns 7 players to their clubs while SEA Games is taking place

(Dan Tri) - While the 33rd SEA Games is in its heated stage, U22 Thailand suddenly returned 7 players to clubs in the Thai-League.

The 7 players returned by coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul to the clubs include Kakana Khamyok (Muangthong United), Thanakrit Chotimueangpak (Buriram United), Chanaphat Buaphan (BG Pathum United), Chanon Thamma (BG Pathum United), Sittha Boonla (Port Authority FC), Thanawut Phochai (Nong Bua Pitchaya FC) and Thawatchai Inprakon (Singha Chiang Rai United).

U22 Thailand surprisingly allowed 7 players to return to play for clubs participating in Thai-League this week (Photo: FAT).

What is more remarkable is that after returning these 7 players to their home clubs in the Thai-League, the Thai U22 team has only 14 players left. Two players who have not played for the Thai U22 team at the 33rd SEA Games, despite being on the list, are Waris Chuthong (BG Pathum United) and Seksan Ratri (Rayong FC).

Both of the above mentioned wingers are Thai national team players. Seksan Ratri was elected as the captain of the Thai U22 team at this year's SEA Games.

The reason why the young Thai football team had to return 7 players to Thai-League clubs was because during the SEA Games, the Thai national championship was still taking place.

U22 Thailand only has 14 players remaining at the SEA Games, as of December 6 (Photo: FAT).

The Southeast Asian Games are outside the FIFA competition system, outside the FIFA Days calendar (days when FIFA allows teams around the world to gather players from clubs to do international duty). Because of that, once the clubs request, U22 Thailand has no right to keep its players at the SEA Games.

Furthermore, coach Thawatchai Damrong-Ongtrakul is confident in sending the U22 Thailand players back to their clubs this week, because in the opening match, U22 Thailand beat U22 Timor Leste 6-1 on December 3.

The above result, combined with Timor Leste's shocking 3-1 win over Singapore last night (December 6), has given Thailand U22 a huge advantage. If they only draw with Singapore U22, or even lose by a small margin to the Lion Island team on December 11, Thailand U22 will top Group A and advance to the semi-finals.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/u22-thai-lan-bat-ngo-tra-7-cau-thu-ve-clb-khi-sea-games-dang-dien-ra-20251207002526837.htm