Official Club Statement

In 2011 Phnom Penh Crown Football Club (PPCFC) completed a successful defense of the Cambodian Premier League Championship and followed that with the best-ever performance by a Cambodian football team in the top flight of Asian football by reaching the final of the AFC President's Cup in Taiwan on 25 September. In the final, we lost 3-2 to the hosts Taiwan Power Company. Incidents before and after the final whistle of the AFC President's Cup Final, necessitated an investigation by the Asian Football Confederation's Disciplinary Committee. The final results of the AFC Disciplinary Committee have now been made public:

3 PPCFC players have been found guilty of assaulting the match referee and have been suspended from all football competitions, both international and domestic, for a period of six (6) months: Chan Chaya, San Narith, Sun Sovannrithy.

6 PPCFC players have been found guilty of misconduct against an opponent and involvement in a brawl and have been suspended from all football competitions, both international and domestic, for eight (8) matches: Peng Bunchay, Kingsley Njoku, Hong Ratana, Sun Sopanha, Thul Sothearith, Suong Virak.

In light of the AFC Disciplinary Committee findings, PPCFC have, with immediate effect, terminated the contracts of six players - Chan Chaya, Peng Bunchhay, Hong Ratana, Sun Sopanha, Thul Sothearith and Suong Virak. Of the remainder, Sun Sovannrithy and San Narith have already left the club and Kingsley Njoku's contract has expired.
PPCFC cannot condone the behaviour of players, who while representing the club, have been found guilty by the AFC Disciplinary Committee of assault and serious misconduct. At PPCFC we sincerely believe that we must lead by example in our behaviour and attitude both on and off the pitch, particularly in encouraging the youth of Cambodia to follow the true spirit of the game of football. In light of this, we therefore find the behaviour of the players found guilty by the AFC to be totally unacceptable and have taken the course of action explained above.

PPCFC President Mr Rithy Samnang made this statement:

"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 judgement from the AFC Disciplinary Committee. 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."

Crown hold Open Trials6 December 2011
In a bid to uncover talented local players, Phnom Penh Crown have announced they will be holding open trials for players over 17 years of age at their RSN Stadium in Tuol Kork from 9am on the mornings of 10th and 11th, and 17th and 18th December. Head coach David Booth and his coaching staff will run the rule over any Cambodian players who believe they have what it takes to make the grade with the number one team in the Kingdom. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.