FIFA could bar Honda’s moonlighting role with Cambodia

New Melbourne Victory signing Keisuke Honda could be stripped of his just-announced job sharing role as general manager of the Cambodia national team, if FIFA decide it contravenes their rules.

Honda

Keisuke Honda in action for Japan at the 2018 FIFA World Cup Source: Getty Images

Though the former Japan international, 32, will not be remunerated by the Cambodians for a position he plans to fill during FIFA international windows, performing a role for two member associations operating under the AFC umbrella is highly likely to be viewed as a conflict of interest.

The fact he is not being paid by the Cambodians might create a grey area, but the development looks certain to invite scrutiny in Zurich.

Victory have stated that they were aware of Honda’s Cambodia connection prior to proceeding with the $2.9 million one-year deal, party funded by the FFA.

But it’s unclear at this stage whether Victory, or FFA, sought clarification from FIFA over whether such an arrangement contravened existing regulations.

Honda will be paraded before the media by Victory on Wednesday, with the club not shying away from a potential grilling on the issue.
Eyebrows were raised among Victory fans and A-League observers when the club’s marquee man was unveiled in Pnomh Penh on Sunday after signing a two-year contract without pay, although he will have his travel expenses met by the Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC).

Having quit international football after Japan’s round of 16 exit at the FIFA World Cup in Russia, Honda proposes to oversee the Cambodia team’s campaign in South East Asia’s AFF Suzuki Cup tournament, from November 8 to December 15.

It’s yet to be clarified how Honda will be able to carry out his duties in the event FIFA were to sanction his moonlighting role.

It’s been mooted he could communicate with players and coaches via tele-conference calls from his home in Melbourne.

The A-League will go into recess international dates for the first time in the coming season, potentially allowing him to join 166th-ranked Cambodia in person during those windows.


Share
Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service. Read more about Sport
Have a story or comment? Contact Us

Watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™, Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, Vuelta a España, Dakar Rally, World Athletics / ISU Championships (and more) via SBS On Demand – your free live streaming and catch-up service.
Watch nowOn Demand
Follow SBS Sport
2 min read
Published 13 August 2018 7:56pm
By Dave Lewis


Share this with family and friends