As the registration deadline for the 2024-2025 National First Division football season passed on the afternoon of August 19, two teams, Long An and Phu Nhuan, officially confirmed their withdrawal from the competition.
Vietnam’s domestic professional football system comprises the V-League, the National First Division, and the National Cup. Both Long An and Dinh Huong Phu Nhuan have decided not to participate in the First Division and the National Cup for the upcoming 2024-2025 season.
The deadline for registration ended on August 19, and both clubs cited financial difficulties as the primary reason for their withdrawal. Phu Nhuan, in particular, pointed to challenges related to establishing a football organization in accordance with corporate law. “Dinh Huong Phu Nhuan FC acknowledges that there are still several challenges, such as forming a football organization under corporate law. Therefore, the club recognizes that it is not in a position to meet the requirements to participate in the professional leagues organized by VPF,” the club stated.
Initially, the 2024-2025 National First Division was expected to feature 12 teams. However, with the withdrawals of Long An and Dinh Huong Phu Nhuan, the number of participating teams has now dropped to 10.
Even this number could change, as the future participation of two other teams, Dong Nai and Khanh Hoa, remains uncertain. This situation raises concerns about the stability and competitiveness of the league, which may face further adjustments as the season approaches.
The absence of Long An, a team with a rich history in Vietnamese football, and the withdrawal of Phu Nhuan, a club with ambitions, highlight the ongoing financial and organizational challenges that many clubs face in the country’s football landscape. The upcoming season will be closely watched as the remaining teams prepare to compete in a potentially reduced and restructured league.
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