Bangkok United recently informed the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) of its decision, citing security concerns. The club accepted a 0-3 forfeit for withdrawing from the match.

Bangkok United club (Thailand). *Photo: Daily News*

According to Reuters on 14/12, Thai leaders remain determined to continue fighting in a border dispute with Cambodia, despite former US President Donald Trump having announced a new ceasefire agreement between the two Southeast Asian nations.

On 10/12, Cambodia also withdrew its entire sports delegation from the 33rd SEA Games, citing security concerns, just one day after attending the opening ceremony. Cambodia stated that its delegation members had returned home safely.

The 2025-2026 ASEAN Club Championship features 12 teams, divided into two groups of six. Teams play a single round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the semi-finals. Bangkok United and Svay Rieng are in Group B. The Thai club has played two matches, with one draw and one loss. The Cambodian representative has played three matches, with one win, one draw, and one loss. These two teams were scheduled to meet in the penultimate round on 29/1/2026 at Morodok Techo Stadium in Phnom Penh.

Bangkok United proposed to the AFF that the match venue be moved to a neutral country, such as Vietnam or Laos. However, Svay Rieng would still incur all organizational costs for the match. Consequently, the Cambodian club has not agreed to the AFF's proposal.

This season marks the second consecutive time the ASEAN Club Championship has been organized. Last season, Buriram United defeated Cong An Ha Noi 3-2 in a penalty shootout, after a 5-5 aggregate draw over two final legs. This is Bangkok United's first appearance in the tournament. The championship's prize fund is 3 million USD, with the champion receiving a minimum of 500,000 USD.

Hoang An (according to Reuters, Daily News)