Background

Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC), formerly known as Fédération Khmère de Football Association (FKFA) from 1933 to 1998 and Cambodian Football Federation (CFF) from 1998 to 2006, amended its statutes on 9 December 2006 to change to its present name. It is affiliated to the Fédération International de Football Association (FIFA) since 1953, to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) since 1957, and to the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) since 1998. France brought the game to Cambodia in the early 20th century and football gradually gained popularity amongst the natives. In the 1960s, when many countries in the region just took up the game, Cambodian football was well organized. As a result, in 1972, the national team finished fourth in the Asian Cup tournament. However, civil war set everything back to zero and the game would never be the same again. From 1975-1979, during the Khmère Rouge regime, Cambodia and its football were destroyed and forgotten. On 7 January 1979, football was reborn with Cambodia’s liberation from the genocidal regime but only domestic competitions and international friendlies took place. In the 90’s, Cambodian football regained its affiliations with FIFA and the AFC again. In 1995, the national team participated in its first international tournament in the South East Asian games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In 1997, in the World Cup 1998 qualification’s match versus Indonesia, played in Phnom Penh, the national team stunned everyone by drawing 1-1. In the same year, in the Southeast Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, Cambodia recorded victories over Myanmar and Brunei. In 2002, the federation inaugurated its own headquarter and training center under FIFA’s GOAL project. In 2007, under the leaderships of H.E. Sok An, Deputy Prime Minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia and FFC’s Honorary President, and Lt. General Sao Sokha, Commander of the Royal Gendarmerie and FFC’s President, football has made tremendous progresses. Focus on grassroots and youth development has been emphasized. Educations of referees, coaches, and football administrators are developed with the supports of FIFA, the AFC and the AFF in order to improve its human resource. In addition, relationships with other football associations have been strengthened regionally and internationally. Competitions such as the Samdech Techo Hun Sen Cup and the Cambodian Premier League have allowed clubs and teams to perform throughout, year in year out. Ten of thousands spectators attending weekly matches are proof of a renewed passion for the game. In 2008, the Qualification of its national steam to the final group competition of the AFF Suzuki Cup 2008 proves to be the outcome of FFC’s leaders sustained and resilient efforts.