VietNamNet Bridge – The 10-hectare Thanh Long Sports Center in HCM City will be sold to a banker, a manager of the sports center said on January 23.

Thanh Long sport center is the familiar destinations of national football teams,

local and Korean clubs and the place to host many sport events.

The hand-over and the change of the Chair of the Thanh Long Cultural and Sport Service Co., Ltd. will take place very soon. Last week, the representative of the banker met with the center’s staff to announce the change.

The representative said that the new owner will still recruit old employees and the center will be developed with the same business scopes and functions.

The current owner of the center, Quach Thanh Lai, didn’t comment on the information and the banker said two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on the transfer.

“We have not signed the last contract but the signing may take place at the end of the month. If the affair is successful, I will not change the business purposes and the use of this center but I’m not sure in the long run because I’m not experienced in sport business,” the banker said.

Over one year ago, Mr. Lai suggested selling the center to HCM City authorities but the city’s policy is encouraging private investment in sports. Lai wanted to sell the center to so that he could have time to undergo treatment for heart disease.

Thanh Long sports center was built in 2001 on a swamp in Phong Phu commune, Binh Chanh district, at the cost of around VND150 billion ($12-13 million).

The center has four football grounds, including one with a roof that meets international standards. It also includes four small football grounds, an indoor swimming pool and four tennis courts. Other facilities include a theatre with 1200 seats, six restaurants, four three-star hotels totaling 180 rooms, fishing service center, stages, etc.

Thanh Long sport center is the familiar destinations of national football teams, local and Korean clubs and the place to host many sport events.

PV