It would be the first time the quadrennial tournament is held in Southeast Asia and a rare sporting event co-hosted by four nations: Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Indonesia.

A group of AFC representatives led by secretary general Peter Velappan visited the Kingdom yesterday to inspect preparation.

After over an hour at Rajamangala National stadium, one of the main stadiums that will host the event, Velappan appeared extremely unhappy and issued what could be perceived as an ultimatum, threatening to let Singapore to take Thailand's place as co-host.

"I am very concerned with what we have seen during this trip, because the other three nations - Malaysia, Indonesia and Vietnam - are already ready to stage the event," he said. "We will wait for an answer from the Thai government on whether they will give any assistance and what they will do to accelerate the preparation."

Then came the ultimatum: "We might have to have another contract to confirm that the tournament could still be held in Thailand, otherwise it will be staged in Singapore, as their stadiums are ready."

Velappan urged Thailand to increase its efforts to promote the tournament. "It seems like they have done nothing to publicise the competition so far," he said. "If they would like to give more attention to the University Games, it will make the Asian Cup look less important. That is not the scenario I would like."

Chaipak Siriwat, chairman of Thailand's Asian Cup organising committee, blamed the delay on the change in government following the coup. He said he would raise the issue at today's meeting with Dr Suvit Yodmani, the Tourism and Sports minister, to decide whether Thailand will host the tournament.

Marseille draw

Marseille drew 1-1 at 10-man Lens in a match of two penalties on Sunday which meant champions Lyon, who beat St Etienne 2-1, forged a five-point lead at the top of the French League.

Mamadou Niang's penalty earned Marseille the lead butLens's Aruna Dindane with 11 minutes to go pulled the match level.