Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) Vice President Doan Nguyen Duc has confirmed his resignation following the national U22 squad’s loss at the ongoing Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

Viet Nam Football Federation Vice President Doan Nguyen Duc (right) and coach Nguyen Huu Thang both announce their resignation after Viet Nam lose in SEA Games. 

The team, believed to be the best Vietnamese squad ever and one that received the strongest support, were expected to bring home their first SEA Games title this August.

Duc, boss of Hoang Anh Gia Lai FC that provided six players to the team, said prior to the tournament, he would resign from his current position if Viet Nam did not win.

He also suggested other leading members of the VFF do the same.

On Thursday, Viet Nam were defeated 0-3 by defending champions Thailand in the last Group B round match and did not qualify for the knockout stage.

Coach Nguyen Huu Thang also took responsibility and resigned.

Speaking with Youth newspaper, Duc  said he would keep his word and quit.

“I had no time to watch the match because of my business trip. I heard about the mistakes of the goalkeepers, leading to two goals (for Thailand). It is sad. I know nobody wants to lose like that, but, in fact, it is difficult to accept such a failure,” Duc said.

“I am out. I have done my best, going all out to support the talented players for about 10 years, hoping to see a SEA Games gold for Viet Nam. It seemed the dream was very close this year, but it is out of our reach now,” he said.

“I invested in football with love and a sense of responsibility, but that title remains elusive. It is time for another, who may do it better than me.”

Duc was voted VFF vice president in 2014, taking charge of financial issues.

Other VFF leaders have not given any response. 

VNS