In a significant development that has sent shockwaves through Vietnamese football, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has issued an urgent circular to all clubs following the detention of several players from Hong Linh Ha Tinh FC by the Ha Tinh City Police Investigation Agency on suspicion of illegal drug use.
On May 8, 2024, Ha Tinh FC reported to VFF the suspension of players Nguyen Trung Hoc, Nguyen Ngoc Thang, Duong Quang Tuan, Nguyen Van Truong, and Dinh Thanh Trung for violating the internal regulations and organizational statutes of Hong Linh Ha Tinh Football Company.
Later that afternoon, the Ha Tinh Provincial Police’s official portal announced the arrest of ten individuals, including players from Ha Tinh FC, for organizing and using illegal drugs. Several items were seized during the raid. The investigation is ongoing to clarify the details.
Recognizing the gravity of the situation and its potential negative impact on the image of Vietnamese football, VFF’s Anti-Corruption in Football Division has reported to the top officials and the VFF Discipline Committee concerning the incident.
Subsequently, on May 8, 2024, the VFF Discipline Committee issued Decision No. 277/QD-VFF temporarily suspending the involved players from competition while they are under investigation for suspected illegal substance use.
The VFF’s circular underscored several directives:
1. Club leaders and coaching staff must enhance their responsibility and strengthen player management by actively coordinating with local authorities to educate players about the dangers of addictive substances and complying with legal regulations. Clubs should proactively monitor and prevent any banned substance use and cooperate with VFF, tournament organizers, and security agencies to detect and prevent such violations.
2. Players must uphold their responsibility towards themselves, their families, clubs, and society. They should increase awareness about the consequences of using banned substances and absolutely refrain from such activities.
VFF reaffirmed its commitment to intensifying coordination with relevant authorities to combat and eradicate unlawful activities in football. It vowed to strictly handle any violations to foster a sustainable development of football in Vietnam, ensuring a competitive and clean playing environment.
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