It comes after accusations a fortnight ago that the club was no longer able to keep up with player payments, and that their demise was imminent.
On April 9, the night after FC Phuket managed a 1-1 draw against Khon Kaen FC, Naruebet ‘Ko Lek’ Aryupong, FC Phuket footballers and a select group of fans went to see Mr Rawi, asking him to step in as the club’s saviour.
After a long talk, Rawi agreed to step in and take over the management of the club. A team of staff that work at his other team, SCG Muang Thong United, will be sent to FC Phuket.
Mr Rawi was originally due to take over the club’s management in December last year, but the deal fell through after a disagreement with the OrBorJor over rent for the use of Surakul Stadium. This issue has now been resolved, though the exact details of the agreement have not been made clear at this stage.
Mr Rawi said that from now on, unlike in the past few months, footballers’ salaries will be paid on time.
He said there will be new footballers sent down from Muang Thong to reinforce the islanders in the second half of the current season.
For fans, the deal puts to rest any doubt over the club’s future after what has been a tumultuous six months. The only question they have to answer now is how big
can FC Phuket get under professional management like that of Siam Sports Group?