• Society

I’ll Quit if We Don’t Make Semis: Football Chief

• By Torn Chanritheara
• May 3, 2023 10:55 AM

PHNOM PENH – Sao Sokha says he will step down as president of the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) if the host team fails to qualify for the semifinals.

Cambodia’s under-22 team are top of Group A in SEA Games men’s football, with four points after two games.

After the 4-0 win against Timor-Leste, Cambodia shared a point with the Philippines with 1-1 result on Tuesday night after a late goal from the Philippines side. Cambodia still has to face Myanmar and Indonesia.

Indonesia ranks second with three points. Myanmar is third with three points but has scored only one goal. The Philippines is in fourth position followed by Timor-Leste.

Sokha said that if Cambodia does not advance to the semi-finals, he will resign immediately.         

“I will request the executive committee of the Football Federation of Cambodia and the general secretariat to hold a

general assembly to elect a new president,” he said.

“I apologize to you football fans. Please forgive me for my inability to lead this sport and bring success to the nation.”

Sokha, who is also a senior military commander, has been at the helm of FFC for 10 years.

Several other sports will continue with competitions today including cricket, sailing and ouk chaktrang.

For women’s football, Cambodia’s team start their campaign by facing Laos in Group B at RSN stadium at 8 pm while Thailand will play against Singapore at 4 pm. Group A will play at Army Stadium. Men’s Football Group B will continue their campaign at Prince Stadium.

Men’s indoor volleyball will start at 12 pm at Olympic Stadium. The Cambodian team face Singapore at 7.30 pm. The obstacle race began this morning at OCIC Hall.   

The official opening ceremony will be held on May 5 at Morodok Techo National Stadium. Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and former Timor-Leste president Xaxana Gusmao are among the foreign dignitaries expected to attend.