Duc firmly stated that HAGL (Hoang Anh Gia Lai Football Club) did not withhold payment from Martin Dzilah, calling the foreign player’s decision to file a complaint with FIFA – which led to a transfer ban for the team – completely unfounded.

Following FIFA’s transfer ban on HAGL due to a claim that Dzilah was not fully compensated as per his contract before its termination, Duc spoke out for the first time on the matter.

Expressing frustration, Duc stated, “HAGL has no intention of wrongdoing, yet Dzilah is nothing short of a scammer. I don’t understand why anyone would support him.

“Are we supposed to believe HAGL would shortchange a player for $29,000? That would never happen – we give to our players, not take back tens of thousands in such a manner. It’s absurd.

“Say what they will, the truth remains. We have receipts, pictures, witnesses, and payments made at the office – everything is in order.

“The amount in question isn’t even significant for a club of HAGL’s scale. So, we’re done debating. We’re pursuing this matter to clear the club’s name, not because of money.”

He continued, “I want to reiterate: HAGL has never withheld money from players. We’ve invested billions over the years into youth training, without issues arising with any foreign players, including star athletes. Twenty thousand dollars is a small amount for any V-League team, barely covering one month’s salary for a foreign player.

“HAGL has sought legal support because we have evidence. If he didn’t receive the money, why did he sign a receipt? Whether through transfer or cash, we paid, in the presence of multiple witnesses.”

Summing up, Duc stated, “We’ve made the payment. Who signs a receipt without receiving money?

“I think he’s being manipulated. Why wait so long to speak up if he was truly owed money? If he needed it, he would have raised the issue immediately. Filing a silent lawsuit later like this is something I’ve never encountered, even in my years in business.”

Duy Nguyen