FIFA donates 400,992 USD for Cambodia's new football center

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 21 (Xinhua) -- FIFA and the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) signed a contract on Tuesday on the construction of the new FFC headquarters and training center, local media reported on Wednesday.

The ceremony was held at the current FFC headquarters, located in Chaeng Iaeng village on the outskirts of Phnom Penh.

According to the Phnom Penh Post, FIFA has granted the FFC 400,992 U.S. dollars, which is the second contribution from the world soccer governing body as part of their Goal Project to develop Cambodian football. The FFC received 400,000 U.S. dollars from FIFA in 2002 for the construction of the current center.

"Our current center is too small and surrounded by many garment factories," said FFC secretary Ouk Sethycheat. "That is not good for the players. So the president has decided to find a new place."

He added that the new training center will include two playing fields and accommodation, changing rooms and a canteen for national team players.

"We will spend from five to 10 years on the construction of new NFC, depending on the money we have," said Ouk Sethycheat.

FIFA helps Cambodia's female soccer team

Phnom Penh, March 25 (VNA) – International football’s governing body FIFA will provide funding and technical support to help the Cambodian Football Federation (FFC) set up the first women’s football teams in Cambodia, the Phnom Penh Post has reported.

“Today we are making history in Cambodia in the development of women’s football,” said Mayrilian Cruz Blanco, women’s football development manager for FIFA to the Phnom Penh Post at the three-day FIFA Women’s Football Com-Unity Seminar from Mar. 24.

FIFA will fund development of general infrastructure and competitions for women’s football, Blanco added.

Sao Sokha, President of the FFC, said that with continued support from FIFA, the Education Ministry and other organisations, Cambodian women’s football will become a tournament sport within 10 years, just as it is in many countries.

Following the seminar, a women’s football coaching course will be held at the National Football Centre in Phnom Penh.