VietNamNet Bridge - For the first time, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has publicly backed Mr. Le Khanh Hai as the president of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). The ministry will even be disappointed if its official is not elected to this post.

Deputy Minister Le Khanh Hai.

Deputy Minister Le Khanh Hai has not appeared much on the mass media related to the VFF Congress, but the Ministry is different. In addition to the dispatch requiring the VFF to clarify the vote counting cases, on May 22, the Ministry held a press conference to express its views about the 7th VFF Congress.

Especially in this press conference, the Ministry had very good reviews with Deputy Minister Le Khanh Hai. The Ministry also believed that he will do a job if he is elected VFF Chair.

A reporter asked the spokesman for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism – Mr. Phan Dinh Tan that if Hai is not elected, will the Ministry be frustrated. Tan said: "Since Hai was introduced by the Ministry, the Ministry does not want him to fail in the election. If he is not elected, the Ministry will be disappointed. However, it is not true that we only love our people and deny the talent of others. The ministry will also support Mr. Le Hung Dung if he is elected."

In the race to the VFF Presidency, Hai is not highly appreciated as Dung because for Dung has worked for VFF for many years and is known as a man of action. In the adjusted voting results, Dung got one more vote than Hai (19/19-18/19) so the opportunity now temporarily leans towards Dung.

Dung has also repeatedly raised his voice, showing his determination to help Vietnam develop football. Dung’s initiative in the lobby is praised by experts.

In this regard, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s spokesman Tan assured that if Hai is elected VFF, he will certainly be reduced workloads at the Ministry in order to have more time for football."

In accordance with the view to strengthening State management in the VFF, the Ministry is expecting that Hai will be elected as VFF Chair. Of course, it depends on the support of members of the VFF Executive Committee at the Congress but it is clear that after Hai was officially supported by the Ministry, his chances of being elected is growing. This will make those who support President VFF as a businessman will be disappointed.

Nguyen Dung