Midfielder Ekanit Panya has been criticized by many Thai fans for withdrawing from the 2023 Asian Cup squad to train with Urawa Reds.
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) announced today, January 7, that they have promoted midfielder Picha Autra to the national team, replacing Ekanit immediately.
"Ekanit cited the reason of wanting to have the opportunity to participate in the pre-season of Urawa Reds in the 2024 J-League," the FAT announced. "The club has just replaced coach Maciej Skorża with Mr. Per-Mathias Hogmo, so Ekanit wants to impress the new coach."
Midfielder Ekanit Panya during Thailand's 0-5 loss to Japan at the National Stadium in Tokyo on January 1, 2024. Photo: FAT
Ekanit, 25, is a member of the Thai team that won the AFF Cup 2022. He was loaned from Muangthong United to Urawa Reds in the 2023 season, where he played 11 matches in all competitions, mostly as a substitute, scoring one goal. The midfielder has played 20 matches for the team, scoring one goal, but cannot compete for a starting position if Thailand has enough players.
However, Ekanit's decision still received backlash from fans. On FAT's fanpage, Lovebigbirm commented: "Playing with a flag on your chest is not as important as a club? Most players dream of having a flag on their shirt". Sitipon.Sihasen responded: "If that's the real reason, I hope he takes a long break from the national team". Krissada.mk wrote: "So Thailand aims to participate in the World Cup?".
According to Thai newspaper Khaosod , coach Masatada Ishii had no choice but to call Picha up for the national team, without convincing Ekanit to change his decision. Thai Post wrote: "Ekanit is afraid of losing his position when Urawa Reds have a new coach. The pre-season is an opportunity for the new coach to evaluate the player's ability."
Ekanit was the first Southeast Asian player to be named in the FIFA Club World Cup squad, when Urawa Reds participated in the tournament late last year. However, the Thai international was a substitute in all three matches, not getting a chance to play.
The 2024 J-League will run from February 23 to December 8, with Urawa Reds one of 11 previous winners. The 2023 Asian Cup will run from January 12 to February 10, 2024, with Thailand in Group F alongside Saudi Arabia, Kyrgyzstan and Oman. The group stage ends on January 25, so if Ekanit plays in the Asian Cup, he will miss the first few weeks of the club's training under coach Hogmo.
Hoang An
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