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Out of the game: Thailand's football association fires coach Ishii!
The Thai Football Association has surprisingly terminated the contract of coach Masatada Ishii, dividing fans and critics.
Out of the game: Thailand's football association fires coach Ishii!
On October 21, 2025, the Thai Football Association (FAT) surprised with the announcement that it would end the contract with national coach Masatada Ishii. This decision followed a "professional evaluation process by the technical department" which apparently concluded that Ishii no longer fit the work orientation of Thai football's long-term development plan. This news caused a lot of talk among fans and reporters, as many felt that Ishii had given the national team a noticeable boost.
A dismissal that raises questions
Ishii was only appointed coach in December 2025 and had previously replaced Mano Polking. In his 30 games with the national team, he achieved 16 wins, 6 draws and only 8 defeats. Under his leadership, the team scored an impressive 58 goals and conceded 34. Many supporters reacted with disappointment at FAT's decision, especially given that Ishii had just led the team to two consecutive victories in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers.
However, there were voices that doubted the professionalism of the association's approach and questioned its responsibility for future results. The criticism was compounded by the sudden timing of the dismissal, especially after Ishii had been in a meeting with the FAT the same day before receiving the news.
A look back at Ishii’s career
Masatada Ishii is no stranger to Asian football. He previously coached the Kashima Antlers, with whom he won the J-League and the Kaiser Cup in 2016. He also led the Antlers to an impressive second-place finish at the 2016 FIFA Club World Cup. His only venture into Thai football began with Samut Prakan City in 2019, before moving to Buriram United in 2021, where he won several domestic titles, including Thai League 1 and the FA Cup. How on Asean Football As can be read, Ishii was only recently appointed as the new head coach, which only adds to the surprise of his dismissal.
The Thai football team has a long and checkered history. Since its founding in 1917 and its first international match in 1948, the team has experienced numerous ups and downs. To date, Thailand has never taken part in a World Cup, despite several attempts. The last qualifying games were another attempt to secure a place in football history, but the odds are anything but optimal Wikipedia can be read.
Future prospects
The FAT's decision raises questions about the future direction of Thai football. Following Ishii's departure, new ways to improve performance and recruit a suitable successor must now be found. Thai football enthusiasts are hoping for a clear plan that can ensure the national team's long-term success. What happens next remains to be seen, but the signs point to change.