The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has recently made a strategic move to enhance the V-League by increasing the quota for overseas Vietnamese players. This decision is set to potentially transform the landscape of Vietnamese football by welcoming more diverse talents from abroad.

Starting from the 2024/25 season, V-League teams will now be able to register two overseas Vietnamese players—double the previous limit. This adjustment raises the potential number of Vietnamese-origin players without Vietnamese citizenship in the league from 14 to as many as 28.

The expansion is not limited to men's football; it also extends to futsal and the national women's championship, promising a broader impact across Vietnamese football. This policy aims to not only enrich the quality of domestic leagues but also bolster the national team with a wider selection of skilled players.

In recent years, the V-League has seen a notable influx of talent from players like Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip, who have made significant contributions to both their clubs and the national team. These players, having been trained in more developed football systems abroad, bring a wealth of experience and skill that benefits the entire league.

The integration of these players has been smooth, with many quickly adapting to the Vietnamese cultural and football environment, which in turn helps them meet citizenship requirements and become eligible for national team selection. This pathway has proved successful, as demonstrated by the inclusion of players like Dang Van Lam in the national team setup.

Former coach Philippe Troussier highlighted the underutilization of overseas Vietnamese talent, pointing to neighboring countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, which have leveraged their diaspora to strengthen their national squads.

However, the integration of overseas players is not without challenges. For instance, Ho Huu Hung, despite his promising start in European football, did not make the cut for the Vietnam U19 team. Other players, such as Martin Lo and Tony Le, have also faced difficulties in making a significant impact in Vietnamese football despite their potential.

Despite these hurdles, the VFF remains committed to tapping into the Vietnamese diaspora as a valuable resource. “We are always ready to welcome overseas Vietnamese players to contribute to Vietnamese football," a VFF official stated, emphasizing the federation's proactive approach to enhancing national football standards.

This policy change has been met with enthusiasm from teams and players alike, signaling a positive shift that could see the Vietnamese national team greatly benefit from an expanded pool of talent in the coming years.

Dai Nam