FAT president Somyot says govt's decision 'good sign'

In yesterday's announcement, the government said it will ease restrictions from Monday on more businesses in response to the low number of Covid-19 cases.

Football fields as well as volleyball and basketball courts are allowed to operate but only for exercise and training purposes with limits on spectators.

"This is a good sign for Thai football to return. This will allow clubs to come back to training and lead to competition resuming in the future," Pol Gen Somyot said.

He said the FAT had submitted the government its health and safety protocols for training and competition and is awaiting its approval.

Thailand U23 midfielder Picha Autra also welcomed yesterday's announcement. "It's good news that the government is allowing football players to return to training," said the star of Thai League 1 side Samut Prakan City.

The Thai League 1 season has been suspended since March due to the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign is scheduled to restart in September.

J-League to resume on July 4

The Japanese first division will resume games on July 4 following a roughly four-month stoppage due to the coronavirus pandemic, the J-League said yesterday.

There are four Thai players in the Japanese top flight -- Chanathip Songkrasin and Kawin Thamsatchanan (Consadole Sapporo), Teerathon Bunmathan (Yokohama F Marinos) and Teerasil Dangda (Shimizu S Pulse).