Ninh Binh, 9 July, 2025 – Nam Dinh FC has officially submitted a proposal to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), requesting a change in league regulations to allow the use of four foreign players simultaneously on the pitch during V-League matches in the 2025/2026 season.
In a formal document addressed to VFF and VPF, the club stated: “After reviewing the contents of the draft regulation, we respectfully propose that the Vietnam Football Federation and the Vietnam Professional Football JSC consider allowing the use of up to four foreign players on the field at the same time during matches. This would optimize player resources, reduce waste, and improve match quality and entertainment value.”
Nam Dinh is not alone in this request. Several other clubs, including Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Hanoi FC, Da Nang FC, and Ho Chi Minh FC, have also submitted similar proposals after receiving the initial draft from the governing bodies. According to the current draft regulations for the 2025/2026 season, teams are allowed to register a maximum of four foreign players in the squad and field up to three at a time during a match.
In the previous season, Nam Dinh FC had as many as 7 to 8 foreign players under contract, but not all were eligible or registered to play in V-League matches. As a result, the club is calling for a revision that would permit the simultaneous use of four foreign players to maximize their investment and boost on-field competitiveness.
For the upcoming season, Nam Dinh FC and Hanoi Police FC will compete in five tournaments: the V-League, National Cup, Super Cup, ASEAN Club Championship (C1 Southeast Asia), and AFC Champions League Two (C2 Asia). Given the packed schedule and need for a deeper squad, increasing the number of foreign players allowed on the field is seen as a critical adjustment.
The proposal reflects growing demands from V-League clubs to modernize league policies and align with international standards, especially as Vietnamese football aims to raise its level of competition both domestically and in continental tournaments.
Whether the VFF and VPF will approve this proposed regulation change remains to be seen, but the debate underscores the evolving dynamics and ambition of professional football in Vietnam.
Dang Long
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