The Editor,
I would like to exert my right to answer the allegations made by Mr. Nov Vuthy and
Mr. So Samuth in the article of the Phnom Penh Post dated 29 December 1995.
The selection of 30 players was made in February 1995, after the Samdech Krom Preah
Cup by the Selection Committe.
The players came from the Ministry of Commerce, the Department of Urbanism, the Civil
Aviation Authority, the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces and Prey Veng province.
The Royal Guard team was formed in April 1995 to provide more support to the Cambodian
players.
The above mentioned teams were dissolved due to the lack of funds and were not able
to compete from January to May since there was neither organized league nor adequate
training.
After the signing ceremony of sponsorship by Marlboro with FKFA (Federation Khmere
de Football Association) in May, a salary of $50 was given to all players who attended
training.
The Committee cut the national selection down to 22 players two months before the
Games, conforming to the masterplan I submitted to FKFA in July 1994. Two meals per
day, amounting to $5, were provided three months prior to the SEA Games.
A house was rented to gather the national team. Their equipment was provided by Adidas.
They were all medically and physically examined, once by the Physical Education Center,
once by Aurora Clinic, where all players could go for medication, health services
and blood tests.
Sports medicine doctors do not exist yet but the FKFA has asked FIFA (Federation
Internationale de Football Association) and AFC (Asian Football Confederation) to
set up training courses this year.
The football delegation that went to Chiang Mai had 18 players, one head coach, Mr
Lors Salakhan, one assistant coach, Mr Chean, one advisor, Mr Kim from North Korea
and his translator.
HRH Sisowath Chivannariddh and I lead the delegation. We are appointed executive
members of FKFA and also of the Technical Committee of the ASEAN Football Federation,
fluent in English and French - unlike the tourists who were appointed by Mr. So Samuth.
Our ratio official to player was six to 18. Mr. So Samuth, Chef de Mission, designated
43 officials to under-supervise 33 athletes.
Changes are assuredly needed in sports in 1996!
- Ravy Khek, Vice-President Federation Khmere de Football Association.
Contact PhnomPenh Post for full article
Post Media Co LtdThe Elements Condominium, Level 7
Hun Sen Boulevard
Phum Tuol Roka III
Sangkat Chak Angre Krom, Khan Meanchey
12353 Phnom Penh
Cambodia
Telegram: 092 555 741
Email: [email protected]