Nghe An – The Nghe An Provincial Police’s Security Investigation Agency has launched a criminal case against two individuals, Nguyen Thi Tu and Tran Quoc Dung, for forging documents to falsify the ages of young players at Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA) Football Club, enabling them to compete. The scandal, uncovered after public tip-offs, has tarnished the club’s storied reputation and raised concerns about local governance and security. Authorities are now intensifying efforts to root out those involved in the scheme.
According to the Nghe An newspaper, Nguyen Thi Tu (born 1984) faces charges of “Forging Documents of Agencies or Organizations” and “Using Forged Documents,” while Tran Quoc Dung (born 1971) is charged with “Forging Documents of Agencies or Organizations” under Clause 2, Article 341 of Vietnam’s Penal Code. The investigation began after police received reports of age fraud among SLNA’s youth ranks, a practice that undermined the club’s integrity and stirred unrest in the province. Under direct orders from provincial police leadership, the Security Investigation Agency dug into the allegations, exposing a web of deceit.
The probe revealed that relatives, including family members of the young players, had fabricated documents like birth certificates and academic records to meet SLNA’s eligibility criteria for recruitment, training, and competition. Nguyen Thi Tu, residing in Ky Son Commune, Tan Ky District, confessed to falsifying records—both independently and in collusion with others, including Tran Quoc Dung—to secure spots for her children or grandchildren at the club. Tran Quoc Dung, also from Ky Son, was identified as a key accomplice in crafting the counterfeit paperwork to deceive club officials and authorities.
On March 21, 2025, based on collected evidence, the agency formally charged both suspects. The case has sent shockwaves through SLNA, a club with a proud footballing heritage in Vietnam, known for nurturing talents like Le Cong Vinh. “This isn’t just about a few players—it’s a blow to our trust and tradition,” a local fan remarked. The fraud’s exposure has also cast scrutiny on oversight at the club and related institutions.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police vowing to expand their inquiry and bring all perpetrators to justice. As SLNA grapples with the fallout, the case underscores the lengths some will go to chase football dreams—and the consequences when those efforts cross legal lines.
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