CAMBODIAN Premier league (CPL) clubs have hit back at claims of ill-treatment from their foreign players.  According to Build Bright United manager Chetra Phon, players' welfare has been a top priority for the management of the club.

"We are doing our best for the players," the manager declared. "[The] problem is more with the Nigerian players, because it is difficult to get visa extensions for Nigerians in Cambodia. We need a letter from the Federation President [Sao Sokha].... He is very busy, so we couldn't get him to sign on time."

Chetra Phon assured that his foreign players' visas would be arranged within the next two weeks despite a two-month delay. "Normally it takes two to three days to process the visa, but because these players in question have overstay, it requires special approval by the head of the police for them to be granted an extension," he said.

Chetra further pointed that, the players' accommodation has always been taken care of by his team. "I rent a house for all my players, and I pay monthly [amenities bills]," he stated. "I don't know why they still complain.... We try to give them the best we can under our budget."

Phouchung Neak manager Chay Sichouen also refuted the allegations of poor management. The manager claimed that visa issues reported by his players have been handed over to immigration authorities, and are all currently being processed except for one player who came in with a tourist visa, and thus requires a renewal to business status before a long-term visa can be procured.