THE Football Federation of Cambodia (FFC) officially announced Thursday the start date for the 2010 Samdech Hun Sen Cup, Cambodia’s premier domestic football competition. The annual tournament, which features 32 teams from across the country, will begin preliminary provincial rounds on Thursday, January 7, National Liberation Day.

Four “centres”, namely Siem Reap, Battambang, Svay Rieng and Kep, will feature eight teams split into two groups, who will compete a robin-robin format to determine the top two from each group that will combine to make up the 16-team knockout phase held at Olympic Stadium from January 30. The final is scheduled for Saturday, March 6.

Cambodian Premier League (CPL) heavyweights Phnom Penh Crown will attempt to defend the title, having won the 2009 Cup final 1-0 against current CPL champions Naga Corp on March 29.

FFC media officier Tep Phanny also revealed that referees for the Samdech Hun Sen Cup will have to pass a fitness test on December 24 at the Olympic Stadium.