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Long An Club (red jerseys) may not participate in the 2024/2025 First Division. Photo: VPF

Vietnam's top professional football leagues are slated to commence by the end of September, yet the current circumstances raise significant concerns for the national team and Coach Kim Sang Sik.

The Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) plans to hold the draw and schedule matches for the V-League, First Division, and National Cup for the 2024/2025 season on August 2. However, VPF recently sent a notice to clubs regarding the postponement of the draw and scheduling for the First Division and National Cup, while the V-League remains on schedule.

The issue stems from the First Division, considered the stepping stone to the V-League, facing the possibility of not having enough teams to compete as planned. Several clubs are uncertain about their future, despite the new season approaching quickly.

Specifically, after Ba Ria Vung Tau announced their withdrawal from the 2024/2025 season, the First Division is at risk of losing three more clubs: Long An, Dong Nai, and newcomers Dinh Huong Phu Nhuan. The main reason for these potential withdrawals is financial difficulties.

If there are no last-minute surprises, the First Division might end up with only 8 teams instead of the planned 12.

Concerns for the Vietnam National Team and Coach Kim Sang Sik

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Coach Kim Sang Sik faces challenges with the Vietnam national team. Photo: SN

The developments in the First Division are troubling and raise concerns for the Vietnam national team and Coach Kim Sang Sik.

While it may seem serious, the national team has rarely called players from the First Division in recent years. However, this scenario is changing. In the future, Coach Kim Sang Sik will need to focus on both the V-League and the First Division, where some clubs are investing heavily in quality players. Therefore, the South Korean coach cannot overlook this secondary league.

Many V-League clubs have players participating in multiple competitions, requiring a robust squad for the national team to succeed in the AFF Cup at the end of the year.

The current situation in the First Division poses a warning for Coach Kim Sang Sik. With only 8 teams competing, the platform for the V-League struggles to ensure competition and professionalism, limiting Coach Kim Sang Sik's options for the Vietnam national team.

Duy Nguyen