Thailand team lost 4 biggest stars at AFF Cup 2018

Thai players playing abroad such as Chanathip Songkrasin (Consadole Sapporo, Japan), Teerasil Dangda (Sanfrecce Hiroshima, Japan), Theerathon Bunmathan (Vissel Kobe, Japan) and Kawin Thamsatchanan (Oud-Heverlee Leuven, Belgian 2nd division) will not be able to participate in the AFF Cup because their national championships are still playing during the AFF Cup.

The biggest tournament in Southeast Asia will take place from November 8 to December 15. That is when J.League 1 enters its decisive phase. The Japanese national championship will only end on December 1 (not counting the Emperor's Cup matches in December).

Similarly, the Belgian second division will continue until Christmas. The AFF Cup 2018 is also not part of the official FIFA competition schedule, so the Japanese and Belgian teams are not responsible for sending their players back to the Thai national team.

This information has been reported by a series of major Thai newspapers such asSiam Sport,The Nation,Khaosodposted.

The official website of the Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand) admitted that coach Milovan Rajevac will be forced to look for new players to defend the Southeast Asian championship for the third consecutive time.

In the past, the Vietnamese team has faced similar situations many times. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had to spend a lot of effort to convince Japanese and Korean teams to allow Xuan Truong, Cong Phuong, and Tuan Anh to return home.

“Thai Messi” Chanathip, main striker Dangda and goalkeeper Kawin are all pillars of the Thai national team. The AFF Cup is no longer an important goal for Thai football after two consecutive championships in 2014 and 2016. Most likely, the Thai national team will rejuvenate and promote young players to the squad at the 2018 ASIAD.

The Thai team losing four of their biggest stars will be an opportunity for Southeast Asian opponents, including Vietnam. The AFF Cup 2018 is also the most important tournament for coach Park Hang-seo and his team this year. The last time Vietnam won the Southeast Asian championship was 10 years ago.