The Football Association of Thailand issued a statement after fans repeatedly violated rules by lighting flares, potentially facing severe penalties due to the offense.
On 13 April 2026, the Football Association of Thailand released a statement concerning Thai fans lighting flares in violation of competition rules during the U20 women's match where Thailand lost 1-2 to South Korea in extra time of the 2026 AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals.
The Association stated the following:
Statement Regarding the Use of Flares During the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 Quarterfinal Match (Top 8)
Following the incident of flares being lit inside the stadium after the AFC U20 Women's Asian Cup Thailand 2026 quarterfinal match between Thailand's U20 women's team and South Korea's U20 women's team at Thammasat Stadium on 12 April 2026,
The Football Association of Thailand under royal patronage expresses that such actions are inappropriate and may endanger spectators, players, and officials, as well as negatively impact the overall image of the competition.
Moreover, lighting flares or bringing any dangerous objects into the stadium violates the regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). The Association has previously faced penalties for similar offenses multiple times and may face harsher sanctions due to repeated violations. This results in significant unnecessary financial losses from fines and risks bans preventing fans from attending home matches. It also harms the chances of hosting international football events in the future.
Currently, the Association's financial status remains critical and must be managed carefully due to debts arising from court rulings totaling 360 million baht, with 240 million baht still outstanding.
Therefore, the Association requests cooperation from football fans and all relevant parties to refrain from such actions and to help create a constructive, safe, and appropriate cheering atmosphere for the overall benefit of Thai football.
The Association will work with the event organizers and related authorities to investigate the facts and strictly consider measures according to regulations.
This statement is issued for general awareness and to seek cooperation from all sectors.
Football Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage