Back door diplomacy

Western Uni have been telling everyone that they've been given the green light to join the Metfone C-League, that is due to kick-off on the 25th of this month, just under two weeks away - and we still haven't seen the fixtures list. Western didn't make it through the qualifying competition but have managed to convince the FFC of their credentials. With the federation already welcoming Albirex Niigata into the league without the Japanese-based club having to go through qualifying, then the precedent they'd set, allowed Western in by the back door route. That will make it three new clubs, with TriAsia winning the qualifying competition and earning promotion, alongside AEU, who were relegated at the end of last season. That means 12 clubs in the C-League this season, an increase of two and a step in the right direction, though the ethics of allowing these teams in could certainly be called into question. Without a whiff of the fixture list, its not clear when games will be played and where. The FFC had mooted home and away for some clubs a few months ago, but whilst that sounds all well and good, putting it into practice is an entirely different matter. For Phnom Penh Crown, they have begun work on the new RSN Stadium but its a long way from completion. Other clubs like Boeung Ket, Svay Rieng and Kirivong have been talking of new home grounds, but to-date, its been talk only. Presumably, the FFC will publish the league fixtures any minute now.