Introduction
The U19 National Championship 2024/25 concluded its qualifying round with controversies over negative play behaviors. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) conducted an investigation and imposed severe penalties on four teams and their coaches. This step aims to ensure fairness and professionalism in the tournament. Let’s delve into the details of this decision.
Main Content
1. Teams Disciplined
Four U19 teams—Soc Trang, Luxury Ha Long, Tay Nguyen Gia Lai, and Da Hoa Football Center (Vinh Phuc)—were found by VFF to not compete to their full potential during the qualifying rounds. This negatively impacted the tournament. These teams were warned and held accountable for their actions.
Negative play in the U19 National Championship, VFF imposes strict punishments – 1Da Hoa Football Center (Vinh Phuc) U19 team involved in negative play during the U19 National Championship qualifying round (Photo: Da Hoa Football Center).
Results of the Disciplined Teams
- Luxury Ha Long U19: Finished the qualifying round with 4 points but a goal difference of -42.
- Da Hoa Football Center U19: Only managed 1 point, with a goal difference of -47.
- Tay Nguyen Gia Lai U19: Scored 1 point, with a goal difference of -30.
- Soc Trang U19: Managed 1 point, with a goal difference of -26.
Notably, the Da Hoa Football Center U19 team lost 1-12 to U19 Thethao Viettel, a shocking score that raised questions about the transparency of the tournament.
2. Coaches Disciplined
Three coaches were banned from participating in any VFF-managed activities for 12 months. They include:
- Coach Nguyen Thanh Tung (Luxury Ha Long U19)
- Coach Nguyen Minh Hai (Tay Nguyen Gia Lai U19)
- Coach Dao Viet Ha (Da Hoa Football Center U19)
The bans were issued because these coaches directly influenced their teams’ underperformance. Coach Pham Huu Phuoc (Soc Trang) received a warning instead.
3. Right to Appeal
All individuals disciplined have the right to appeal to the VFF Appeals Committee according to the disciplinary regulations. Upon receiving a valid appeal, the Appeals Committee will form an Appeals Board within seven days and resolve the case within 30 days. If resolution takes longer, the Board will notify all parties.
4. Da Minh Quang Ngai U19
Da Minh Quang Ngai U19 also finished the qualifying round with 0 points and a goal difference of -55. However, it was concluded that Da Minh Quang Ngai U19 played to their best ability without any signs of negative play. This allowed them to avoid disciplinary action.
Conclusion
VFF’s strict disciplinary actions against teams and coaches who violated regulations is a necessary step to protect the fairness and professionalism of the tournament. Negative behaviors not only affect results but also erode fan trust. It is hoped that teams and coaches will learn from this and give their best in future competitions.
The U19 National Championship 2024/25 will continue with the finals from February 15 to February 28 in Ba Ria – Vung Tau. Twelve teams will participate in the finals, including hosts Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Thethao Viettel, Hanoi, Song Lam Nghe An, PVF, SHB Da Nang, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Binh Phuoc, Becamex Binh Duong, Dong Thap, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dong Nai. Fans can expect intense and emotional matches.
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