On September 9, 2024, the Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) Disciplinary Committee issued several decisions regarding penalties against the Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) U11 football team, as well as its team manager and head coach, for registering and fielding players who did not meet the age requirements during the 2024 National U11 Football Championship.
According to Decision No. 624, the SLNA U11 team has been fined VND 10 million and banned from participating in all football competitions organized by the VFF for a period of two years. This decision came as a result of the team’s serious violation of the tournament regulations, specifically for registering and using players who were not of the correct age. Furthermore, the team will be stripped of their titles, trophies, flags, medals, and monetary rewards that they had earned during the 2024 National U11 Football Championship.
In addition to the team’s punishment, Decision No. 625 also imposes a two-year ban on Mr. Tran Quang Dung, the SLNA U11 team manager, from participating in any football-related activities in VFF-managed and organized tournaments. This ban was imposed due to his involvement in registering and using players who were not of the correct age, violating the regulations of the 2024 U11 tournament.
Similarly, Decision No. 626 imposes a two-year ban on Mr. Nguyen Quang Tho, the head coach of the SLNA U11 team, from all football-related activities in VFF-managed and organized tournaments. Like Mr. Dung, Mr. Tho was found responsible for registering and using ineligible players, which constituted a serious breach of the tournament rules.
These decisions by the VFF Disciplinary Committee serve as a stern reminder to all football teams and officials about the importance of adhering to tournament regulations, especially regarding player eligibility. Violations not only undermine the integrity of the sport but also affect fair competition among teams. By taking such decisive actions, the VFF aims to ensure that football in Vietnam, especially at the youth level, is played fairly and in accordance with established rules.
This case also highlights the broader issue of age verification in youth sports. Ensuring that players meet age requirements is essential to fostering a fair and competitive environment. The penalties imposed on the SLNA U11 team and its officials reflect the VFF’s commitment to upholding these standards in all of its competitions.
As a result of these sanctions, the Song Lam Nghe An U11 team will be unable to compete in any VFF-organized tournaments for the next two years, impacting their future participation in youth football in Vietnam. Both Mr. Dung and Mr. Tho will also be barred from involvement in football-related activities for the same period, further emphasizing the severity of the consequences for violating player eligibility rules.
These disciplinary actions serve as a warning to other teams and officials across the country to follow the regulations set forth by the VFF and to maintain the integrity of the sport at all levels. As the VFF continues to promote youth development in football, it remains committed to ensuring that all participants follow the rules and compete fairly.
The 2024 National U11 Football Championship was meant to showcase the next generation of football talent in Vietnam. However, the controversy surrounding SLNA’s violation has marred the competition, underscoring the need for strict compliance with tournament regulations moving forward.
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