Cambodian men's football team withdraws from SEA Games 33.

On the evening of November 26th, the Cambodian Olympic Committee sent an official notification to host country Thailand regarding its withdrawal from several events at the 33rd SEA Games. This decision sparked much debate and raised numerous questions about the neighboring country's participation.

According to Thailand's MGR newspaper, Cambodia has requested to withdraw from a total of eight sports at the 33rd SEA Games, including judo, karate, pencak silat, petanque, wrestling, wushu, football, and sepak takraw. This leaves the country competing in only 13 sports.

Many sources suggest the main reason is concern about border security. Currently, Thailand and Cambodia are experiencing tensions in several border areas, leading the Cambodian side to believe that their athletes and coaches cannot feel safe competing far from home.

Thana Chaiprasit, head of the Thai sports delegation, shared that most of the sports Cambodia withdrew from were team sports. Thailand affirmed that it would ensure the safety of all participating sports delegations.

In men's football, the Cambodian U22 team is in Group A along with Thailand and Timor Leste. According to the regulations, the 33rd SEA Games has three groups, and the top team in each group, along with the best-performing second-place team, will advance to the semi-finals.

Cambodia's withdrawal leaves Group A with only two teams, while Group B has three and Group C has four. This disparity creates an imbalance, forcing the SEA Games organizers and AFF to consider a redraw to ensure fairness.

In women's football, the Cambodian women's team is also in Group A along with Thailand. However, this competition is less complicated as there are only two groups, each with four teams. The top two teams from each group will advance directly to the semi-finals.

Therefore, the withdrawal of the Cambodian women's team will not have a significant impact on the remainder of the tournament.