VietNamNet Bridge – The debate about model of the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) has been ignited when Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC’s Chair Doan Nguyen Duc protested the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) management over the VPF.

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Duc confirmed that VPF is a joint stock company that operates under the Enterprise Law, the VFF is a share holder so it does not have the right to manage VPF.

After seeing Hanoi ACB FC’s Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien, the representative of 28 FCs, VFF Vice Chair Pham Ngoc Vien stated that VPF is managed by VFF in terms of professional aspect and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism manages it in term of legal status.

Vien said that VPF’s model will not be different from the suggested plan of FCs but its shareholders will include VFF, 14 FCs at V-League and 10 FCs at the First Division Tournament.

“VFF is a social organization that is assigned by the State to manage football activities in Vietnam. VPF is a business but it specializes in running V-League, Vietnam’s top football tournament. VFF, therefore, must take more important role than a shareholder. VFF will manage VPF in terms of professional aspect because VPF cannot stand alone. This is appropriate to international practice and Vietnam’s characteristics,” Vien explained.

From Pleiku, HAGL’s Chair Doan Nguyen Duc, showed his discontentment with Vien’s statement. Duc said VPF is a business so let it be a business.

Duc said: “VPF is a joint stock company which operates under the Enterprise Law. VFF is a shareholder of VPF. Even if it is the largest shareholder, which holds over 30 percent of shares, VFF can only cast the vote based on its capital contribution. VFF cannot manage VPF. VFF and FCs have similar status at VPF. The shareholders’ meeting will be the highest power that makes decisions. In necessary cases, VPF will report to the Hanoi Department of Planning and Investment. VPF is a business so it must obey the law, fairly.”

If VFF manages VPF in terms of professional aspect, this company will lose its independence, which is the ground for clean, professional and lucrative football activities.

“Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Tuan Anh told me that it is necessary to set up VPF because it will benefit Vietnam’s football. The Ministry will facilitate the establishment of this company. We do not need to make further discussion on this issue because everything was approved at the meeting between VFF and 28 FCs. The only task to do now is setting up VPF,” Duc confirmed.

VFF has reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism about the establishment of VPF. After the Ministry makes comments on this project, VFF and FCs will see each others again to work on details. According to VFF, VPF may be established in October.

TV