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Published on November 20, 2007

Bangkok Governor Apiral Kosayodhin, the deputy Democrat Party leader, said yesterday the move was not intended for political gain or to compete against Manchester City, owned by former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Apirak said it was not the specific aim of the tournament to have young Thai players go on to play professional football in England in the same manner as the three Thai internationals who recently signed contracts with Manchester City.

The Bangkok Cup in February will include many local youth teams, including one from the BMA Football Institute, along with youth teams from English clubs such as Everton and Liverpool. Apirak said the BMA's connection with Everton was aided by a sponsorship deal.

Apirak has just returned from a visit to Liverpool. He met with Liverpool mayor Paul Clark to institute a sister city relationship with Liverpool, which has been chosen as the 2008 European Capital of Culture.

Before the Bangkok Cup, the BMA Football Institute and Everton's own institute will hold a number of

training programmes for young Thai players. 

 The Nation