FFC president to resign if Cambodia fail to reach SEA Games football semis

Sokha made the announcement on his Facebook page an hour after Cambodia’s national team drew 1-1 against the Philippines on Tuesday. During the game, Philippines equalized in the last minute.

“I have put 10 years into improving Cambodian [football]. If Cambodia’s U22 team cannot advance to the semifinals, in a spirit of responsibility I will resign from the Football Federation of Cambodia immediately,” he wrote.

“If this really happens, I will request the executive committee of the FFC to find a new president. I will say sorry to the fans that I’m not qualified to help Cambodian [football] to get good results for the nation.”

When Cambodia decided to host SEA Games 32, the FFC had a long-term plan, appointing Japanese former player Keisuke Honda as the head coach and technical director. The current generation of Cambodian players is receiving the biggest investment in training and competing conditions to date.

Cambodia aim to win the SEA Games men’s football gold medal. They had a good start with a 4-0 victory over Timor Leste, before drawing with the Philippines. With four points, Cambodia lead group A, one point ahead of Indonesia and Myanmar but having played one match more.