PHNOM PENH (21 Dec 2011) – Phnom Penh Crown FC are on a rebuilding drive for the Metfone C-League 2012 following the long suspensions handed out to nine of their players by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The nine players concerned were involved in a brawl in the final of the AFC President’s Cup on 25 September 2011 against Taiwan Power Company.
“I was devastated by the reaction of some of my players in the AFC President’s Cup Final in Taiwan and have waited to hear the judgment from the AFC disciplinary committee,” said Phnom Penh Crown president Rithy Samnan.
“I want my team to play the game of football in the right way, to be an example to our academy boys and the rest of the youth in Cambodia. This is a key element running through the backbone of Phnom Penh Crown FC.
“Everyone worked so hard last season to bring more success to the club, but the actions of some players have tarnished the reputation of the club, and Cambodian football, throughout Asia. This is why we have taken such robust decisions. We must remain strong and stop this from happening ever again.”
The AFC have imposed six-month suspensions on Chan Chayam San Narith and Sun Sovannrithy for assaulting the referee while Kingsley Njoku, Hong Ratana, Sun Sopanha, Thul Sothearith, Soung Virak and goalkeeper Peng Bunchhay were banned for eight domestic and international matches for the their involvement in the brawl.
As a result, Phnom Penh Crown have terminated the contracts of Chan Chaya, Peng Bunchhay, Hong Ratana, Sun Sopanha, Thul Sothearith and Suong Virak.
Sun Sovanrith and San Narith have since signed for Naga Corp FC while Kingsley Njoku’s contract has expired.
Phnom Penh Crown are the defending champions of the Metfone C-League 2011.
