Phnom Penh: The half-brother of His Majesty King Norodom Sihamoni, Prince Norodom Chakrapong, has released a statement saying that the intention of his eighth son, Prince Norodom Ravichak, to buy French football club AS Saint-Étienne is a private investment. This follows reports in the French media at the weekend that Prince Norodom Ravichak had made a $117-million offer to purchase the top-flight club.

In his statement, Prince Norodom Chakrapong says, “Prince Norodom Ravichak's business is a purely private investment and has nothing to do with any individual or institution in Cambodia other than the prince himself." He has also reacted to the use of the title “heir” and even “crown prince” in the French media, saying, “According to the Constitution of Cambodia, it is a constitutional monarchy where the King is elected by the Royal Council. The title of "heir" does not exist and has never existed in Cambodia." He has added that his son is one of many Cambodian princes in the Royal family and no Cambodian prince has been appointed to continue to rule or receive the title of heir.

The Ministry of the Royal Palace also reacted to the news reports on Monday, stressing that, “According to the Constitution of the Kingdom of Cambodia and the Law on the Organization and Functioning of the Royal Council of the Kingdom of Cambodia, there is no provision for the appointment of a successor to ‘Prince Héritier’ or ‘Crown Prince’".

In a recent interview with Radio France Internationale, Prince Norodom Ravichak confirmed his interest in buying Saint-Étienne while discussing his plans should he take over. He also divulged his reasons for wanting to buy the club saying, “It’s true that I have officially put myself forward as a candidate to take over at Saint-Étienne. I am passionate about football and grew up enthusiastic about the French league, and of course for the French national team. That’s how I’ve always had a particular affection for Saint-Étienne, who are among the very big clubs in the country. Thanks to my various business networks, I was able to meet people from the world of football, one thing led to another and I was made aware of the project to sell the club a few months ago.”

He added, “I’ve always dreamt of taking over a football club, the opportunity presented itself in the form of a club that is dear to me. So, I decided to do everything to take it. I am bringing in some solid partners, who I will reveal when the time comes. I am not coming for economic reasons. I want to invest myself over the long term and look after Saint-Étienne. I would bring in enough resources to achieve these ambitions and allow the club to rediscover its brilliance.”