Vietnamese football fans have been dealt another blow with the news that Long An FC faces the possibility of not participating in the 2024/2025 First Division season.

As preparations for the 2024/2025 season began, Long An Football Development Joint Stock Company requested to return the team to the Long An Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. The reason cited was a financial shortfall, leading to a budget imbalance.

Despite playing in the First Division, Long An FC is one of the most successful and storied teams in Vietnam, having once dominated the V-League and being part of the elite group along with Binh Duong, Da Nang, and HAGL.

Recently, HAGL FC, sponsored by LPBank, made headlines when it sought to revert to its original name after just one season.

The rebranding and subsequent name change of HAGL FC, to include LPBank, is not uncommon in Vietnamese football. Many clubs have adopted similar practices to secure sponsorships and maintain financial stability.

However, the issue arises when the historic name HAGL, which is deeply ingrained in V-League history and symbolizes pride for its sponsor, is overshadowed by financial necessity.

The reality of professionalism in Vietnamese football

After more than two decades of being labeled professional, has Vietnamese football truly shed its amateur roots? The answer lies in the stories of Long An and HAGL, two of the most successful teams in the early days of the V-League.

Both Doan Nguyen Duc (bosss of HAGL FC) and Vo Quoc Thang (Long An FC), known for their immense dedication and willingness to invest heavily in football, have faced significant challenges. Despite their passion and financial commitment, they have struggled to make their clubs self-sustaining and create a lasting legacy.

The efforts of these sponsors to build and maintain their clubs are commendable. However, one has already retreated, while the other is losing control, hinting at a potential exit.

The situations of Long An and HAGL may differ, but they converge on one conclusion: Vietnamese football cannot achieve true professionalism when clubs cannot sustain themselves financially and rely solely on external funding.

Over the past 20 years of striving for professionalism, the same number of clubs have dissolved, withdrawn, or exited the V-League and First Division. Thus, it should come as no surprise if more clubs follow suit, as the label of professionalism remains elusive.

Duy Nguyen