VietNamNet Bridge – Xuan Thuy Company is about to give Navibank Saigon football team and its card at the V-League 2013 to the central province of Ha Tinh, free of charge.

Navibank Saigon FC sold at VND21 billion

Only a few days after Navibank claimed to give Navibank Saigon FC back to the HCM City Football Federation, the team has had a new owner.

Xuan Thuy Company, a subsidiary of the Xuan Thanh Group of boss Nguyen Duc Thuy, Chairman of the Saigon Xuan Thanh FC, has bought the team for VND21 billion ($1 million).

Immediately after the affair, Tran Tien Dai, executive director of Saigon Xuan Thanh stated to transfer 5 players from Navibank Saigon to Saigon Xuan Thanh. He also wanted to sell Navibank Saigon and its ticket to V-League to the port city of Hai Phong. However, finally the team will be transferred to Ha Tinh Province.

Before becoming well-known through purchasing Saigon Xuan Thanh FC, Thuy began investing in football in Ha Tinh. In 2009, Thuy spent a lot of money in the Ha Tinh Xuan Thanh FC but the team failed to win a card to the First Division Tournament. Thuy then purchased Hoa Phat team and renamed it into Saigon Xuan Thanh. After that he abandoned investment in Ha Tinh's football.

Thuy said for several times that he felt indebted of Ha Tinh, the land that his company has many business ventures. When reselling Navibank Saigon is at a deadlock, Thuy decided to give this team to Ha Tinh for free. He may be also the sponsor of this team. The transfer, if there are no surprises at the last minute, will take place in the next few days.

Navibank Saigon’s players are very enthusiastic with the information. Midfielders Duy Khanh and Minh Triet both said that this is good news. Defender Khanh Lam said he was very happy because he would have the opportunity to visit his family.

However, Navibank Saigon’s players have not received the bonus of the last football season and the wages of the last three months.

S. Tung