Thai U23 League

Thai U23 League

Organising body	Thai League Co., Ltd.
Founded	2024; 0 years ago (2024)
First season	2024 Thai U23 League
Country	Thailand
Number of teams	8 (since 2024)
Sponsor(s)	Provincial Electricity Authority
Website	Thai League
Current: 2024 Thai U23 League

The Thai U23 League (Thai: ไทยลีก รุ่นอายุไม่เกิน 23 ปี) is a professional football league in Thailand designed specifically for players under the age of 23. Established by the Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand), the league is managed and organized by Thai League Co., Ltd., responsible for overseeing the various tiers of Thai football competitions.^[1][2] The creation of the Thai U23 League marks a significant effort to foster young Thai football talent and provide a platform for emerging players to develop their skills.^[3]

The primary objective of the Thai U23 League is to promote the development of young, domestic football players by offering them a competitive environment where they can gain experience and showcase their abilities. Notably, the league is structured to exclude foreign players entirely, focusing solely on nurturing Thai talent. This initiative aligns with the Football Association of Thailand's vision to identify and develop new talent, allowing young players to step up and make a name for themselves in Thai football. The league provides a platform for players who may not have regular opportunities in their club's first teams, as well as those recovering from injuries, to maintain their match fitness and stay competitive.

By focusing on Thai players under 23 years of age, the league aims to create a robust pipeline of talent for the senior national team. The Thai U23 League offers a competitive environment where young players can gain valuable match experience, thereby preparing them for future challenges at higher levels of play. This approach not only helps in developing individual skills but also contributes to the overall strength and depth of the national football team.

In conclusion, the Thai U23 League represents a strategic initiative by the Football Association of Thailand to nurture homegrown talent and provide a structured pathway for players to progress from youth to senior football. By focusing exclusively on domestic talent and providing regular competitive opportunities, the league plays a crucial role in the long-term development and success of Thai football, both domestically and internationally.

The Thai U23 League was established with the inaugural season set to commence in 2024, made possible through the sponsorship of the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA), which served as the main sponsor. Consequently, the league was branded as the PEA U23 Youngster League (Thai: พีอีเอ ยู23 ยังส์เตอร์ ลีก) to reflect this partnership.^[4] The involvement of PEA as a sponsor underscores a commitment to supporting the development of young football talent in Thailand. The inaugural season featured participation from eight teams, comprising five clubs whose senior squads compete in Thai League 1, and three clubs from Thai League 2. This structure not only highlights the league's dedication to fostering talent across different levels of Thai football but also aims to create a competitive environment exclusively for players under the age of 23, providing a valuable platform for their growth and preparation for higher levels of competition.

In the 2024 season of the Thai U23 League, eight teams are set to participate. Among these, five teams are affiliated with clubs whose senior squads are competing in the 2024–25 Thai League 1, while the remaining three teams are linked to clubs whose senior squads are participating in the 2024–25 Thai League 2.

The Thai U23 League operates under a round-robin format, where each team competes in both home and away matches against all other participating teams. The league uses a points-based system, with the club accumulating the highest total points by the end of the season and being declared the champion. The inaugural season features 8 clubs, including teams from Thai League 1 and Thai League 2.^[5]

Participation in the Thai U23 League is restricted to players holding Thai nationality. Eligible players include those born in Thailand, individuals of mixed heritage (dual nationality), and those who have acquired Thai citizenship. This rule highlights the league's commitment to fostering local talent.^[6]

The Thai U23 League operates under the jurisdiction of the Football Association of Thailand (FA Thailand). However, the responsibility for overseeing and organizing the competition lies with Thai League Co., Ltd., a corporate entity under the FA Thailand. This structure ensures professional management and adherence to the highest standards of competition.

A key regulation within the league is the strict eligibility requirement that mandates all participating players must hold Thai nationality; foreign players are not permitted to compete. This policy underscores the league's dedication to fostering and developing domestic talent. Additionally, this section covers important administrative procedures, including team registration, squad composition, and compliance with league rules.^[7]

The points table is managed as follows:

In-Season standings: Teams are ranked based on their total points, with the following tie-breaking criteria applied in order:

1. Goal difference.

2. Goals scored.

3. Number of matches won.

End-of-Season standings: If teams are tied on points after the season, the following criteria are used to determine their final ranking:

1. Head-to-head results between the tied teams.

2. Mini-league results (if three or more teams are tied).

3. Goal difference in head-to-head or mini-league matches.

4. Goals scored in head-to-head or mini-league matches.

5. Overall goal difference across all league matches.

6. Total goals scored across all league matches.

7. Fair play points (yellow and red cards received).

If all else fails, the ranking will be determined by a draw.^[8]

The Thai U23 League awards prize money to the top four teams at the end of each season. The champion is awarded 500,000 THB (฿), the runner-up receives 250,000 ฿, the team finishing in third place is granted 150,000 ฿, and the team that finishes fourth is awarded 100,000 ฿. These prizes incentivize the teams to perform at their best throughout the competition.^[9]

The Thai U23 League operates under a dynamic sponsorship model, where the main sponsor each season is granted the naming rights of the league. Depending on the primary sponsor, this allows the league's name to change from season to season. The flexibility in naming provides sponsors with a unique branding opportunity while supporting the league's mission to foster young Thai football talent.

• 2024–Present: Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA U23 Youngster League)

• Official website of Thai League