14th January, 2014
1. The Chang Chonburi Invitation is the world’s oldest cup competition. It was first contested in 1869 when four teams – Bang Phra Academicals, Pattaya Fisheries, Laem Chabang Engineers and Old Chonburians – played a round robin tournament.
2. None of the players representing Army Utd and Police Utd in this year’s tournament have actually served with either of those forces. However, PTT Rayong’s Yutana Chaikaew used to work in a petrol station.
3. Although Monday’s draw only required four pieces of paper to be picked out of a large plastic bowl, the whole event lasted just under five hours.
4. The winners of the tournament will go straight into the knockout stages of the AFC Cup.
5. The trophy is made from hundreds of melted down “Chonburi FC – 2013 League Cup Winners” souvenir medallions, which were produced but never used.
6. Tournament sponsors Chang, have insisted that no Singha beer is sold within a two mile radius of the stadium on matchdays. Any vendor found to be in breach of this rule will face a heavy fine.
7. Ageing rocker Sting was invited to perform at Thursday’s opening ceremony. However, the tantric yoga loving Geordie bass player mistakenly bought plane tickets for Taiwan instead of Thailand and is currently stranded in Xinying.
8. A specially commissioned “Rainbow” ball will be used in the tournament. If the trial is a success, it is likely that the ball will be used in all TPL matches next season.
9. Legendary Welsh rock ‘n’ roller Shakin’ Stevens has paid for a camera crew to beam the matches live to his home in California. “Shaky” is a close personal friend of Army Utd defender Daniel Blanco.
10. Samut Songkhram were also invited to take part in this year's tournament. However, the chairman's mum forgot to pass on the message.
11. PTT Rayong were late replacements for Pattaya Utd. The Eastern Seaboard club had to withdraw when they discovered that the tuk tuk they use to transport their fans to away games had a puncture and they couldn't afford to get it fixed.
12. For the first time ever, Chonburi's on pitch huddles will be sponsored during this tournament. Each huddle will be preceded by the announcement: "Chonburi's huddles are brought to you in association with Chon Inter Hotel".
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