The rumours followed an announcement that there were two vacancies to fill in the second-tier Yamaha League One after it was established that two clubs who qualified to compete in the elite, Thai Premier League (TPL) this season – Police United and Saraburi FC – would not be able to finance their respective teams (story here).
On Friday (February 5) the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) sent out letters to Police United and Phuket FC inviting both clubs to submit paperwork as part of the procedures for Club Licensing Administration System (CLAS), a prerequisite for competing in either of the kingdom's two national-tier leagues, stating that either "has a chance" to qualify for the final vacancy.
It was earlier confirmed that Chiangmai FC was offered, and accepted the first vacancy in League 1, since it was the best ranked of the six clubs relegated last season.
The second spot would have been offered to Phichit FC, next in line as per rankings; however, Phichit FC reportedly declined the offer to remain in Division 1, citing the need to "rest for a year".
Because Phuket FC was listed as the next team after Phichit on the ranking table on the TPL's website, the club was issued the prospect through the aformentioned FAT letter.
As soon as the letter was posted on social media and went viral, fans became extatic, knowing that Police United would not likely qualify due to the recent news (link above).
However, it turns out that one more club was also in contention for restoring its Division 1 status: Ayuthaya FC, who finished last season with the exact same amount of points as Phuket FC, only with a superior goal difference, and thus should have been listed in a higher ranking than Phuket FC.
After points, the head-to-head record is considered, but since Phuket and Ayuthaya had an even head-to-head record last season (each winning their respective home match), then goal difference is the next deciding factor.
As it stands right now, the TPL or FAT have yet to confirm which of the three clubs will be offered the final vacancy on the kingdom's national football stage, but all should become clear in the coming days as each club submits their CLAS paperwork for final consideration.
Meanwhile, Phuket FC are scheduled for a friendly match at Surakul Stadium on Saturday, February 13 against Siam Navy, with a 7pm kick off.
Should the final vacancy be granted to Police United or Ayuthaya FC, and Phuket FC remain in Division 2, they are scheduled for an FA Cup qualifying match, away to Yala FC on Wednesday, February 10, with a 3.30pm kick off.
For a full schedule of Phuket FC's Division 2 schedule, assuming everything will remain as is, pick up a copy of The Phuket News on stands now.
Also, Phuket FC administrators are holding the "Rock It" fundraising concert next Sunday, February 14, which will be headlined by famous national rock acts as Labanoon and Big Ass, at Saphan Hin football stadium from 6pm till late.
Tickets are priced at B300, B1,000 and B3,000 and proceeds will go towards funding the club's 2016 campaign.