AFC approve Thai Asian Cup stadiums

BANGKOK, Mar 20 (Reuters) The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) on Tuesday approved Thailand's two national stadiums for this year's Asian Cup, ending months of speculation about the Kingdom's readiness to co-host the tournament.

''We're very happy with what we have seen over the last few days,'' Carlos Nohra, the AFC's competitions director, told reporters after an inspection of the Rajamangala and Supachalasai stadiums, which will host group A matches.

''I'm also very happy with the commitment I've seen from Thailand regarding other events.'' Nohra said the AFC were satisfied with renovations to the 60,000-seater Rajamangala stadium but admitted there had been little progress with the ageing Supachalasai venue, which is comprised mostly of concrete terracing.

It will stage one of the final two group matches, which competition rules state must kick-off at the same time. Thailand has until May 30 to install 19,600 news seats.

''This was initially supposed to be a training venue, and we did not ask for new seats,'' Nohra said. ''But we are very happy with what has happened at the Rajamangala stadium.'' Nohra said he was ''cautiously optimistic'' that all four hosts -- Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia -- will soon complete preparations for the July 7-29 tournament.

''Every country is ahead in certain areas and behind in others,'' he said. ''All the countries and the AFC are a little behind with promotions for the event.

''We are doing everything we can, and they are doing everything they can.'' The AFC had last year considered replacing Thailand as a co-host for the tournament after it failed to meet several deadlines for upgrading stadiums.

However, the Kingdom was granted a reprieve after its soccer chiefs said months of political stalemate and a military coup had delayed the approval of a budget to carry out the work.

Thailand will contest group A with Oman, Iraq and Australia.

Reuters SAM RN1850