"Opening the doors" for television to enter the stadium.
Yesterday morning, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued two important directives regarding the television broadcasting of the national football league.
According to urgent dispatch No. 268/VPCP - KGVX signed by Deputy Head of the Government Office Nguyen Huu Vu, considering the Government Office's report on the national football league's television broadcasting, after hearing the report from the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung requested: The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism should direct the inspection of the television broadcasting rights contract for the national football league and report to the Prime Minister; and direct the resolution of obstacles to ensure that the national football league is broadcast live, continuously, and widely throughout the country by television stations, meeting the needs of the people.
Television stations will be allowed to broadcast national football matches live without needing permission from the VFF and AVG - Photo: Kha Hoa
The Prime Minister's move was complied with by the General Department of Sports and Physical Education (TDTT), which promptly requested the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) to report to the General Department on the number of matches broadcast live by television stations in the first two rounds of the Super League. At the same time, the General Department will coordinate with the relevant Ministry to request the VFF to issue a directive to local organizing committees, facilitating access for television stations to produce matches in round 3.
The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism directed the resolution of obstacles to ensure that the national football tournament is broadcast live, continuously, and widely throughout the country by television stations, meeting the needs of the people. | |
| An urgent dispatch conveying the Prime Minister's request. |
Therefore, it can be affirmed that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's official letter a few days ago, requesting the VFF and local Departments of Culture, Sports and Tourism to respect the 20-year contract between the VFF and An Vien Telecommunications and Media Company (AVG) before the Ministry's inspection conclusion, is completely invalid.
Increase the broadcast frequency for each match.
Following the Prime Minister's opinion, Vietnam Television (VTV) abandoned its cautious approach from the first two rounds and decided to increase the frequency of broadcasts for each Super League round to four matches – the most ever – and, notably, for the first time, the national championship will be broadcast simultaneously on two free-to-air channels during prime time (4 PM).
The third round of matches will include the following: On January 14th, Hanoi FC will play Khatoco Khanh Hoa (VTV2); Da Nang will play Hoang Anh Gia Lai (VTV3). On January 15th, Vicem Hai Phong will play Dong Thap (VTV2); Song Lam Nghe An will play Hanoi T&T (VTV3).
Review the entire VFF charter. |
Meanwhile, HTV is scheduled to broadcast the Navibank Saigon - Vissai Ninh Binh match live.
Many other local stations also reported that they had been relieved of the burden of having to "ask someone for permission" to enter the stadium to work.
Illegal copyright contract
A significant increase in the number of broadcast matches would be a welcome sign for Vietnamese football, satisfying the needs and interests of viewers and reaching the goal that VPF is aiming for.
Following the Board of Directors meeting that lasted until 11 PM on January 11th, VPF took a very strong action yesterday morning when Chairman Vo Quoc Thang signed a letter to the Prime Minister (with copies also sent to relevant ministries, the Government Inspectorate, and VTV, VTC), requesting the Prime Minister to consider and direct the ministries and agencies to examine the legality of the contract between VFF and AVG.
Once again, VPF clearly stated its position that the contract between VFF and AVG is not in accordance with current legal regulations, including the Law on Physical Education and Sports and the Law on the Press. The official letter stated: “Based on Clause 2, Article 53 of the Law on Physical Education and Sports of 2006 and Article 12 of Government Decree 112/2007/ND-CP dated June 26, 2007, the ownership of television broadcasting rights for professional football tournaments belongs to VFF and professional football clubs. VFF has not obtained the consent of the competent authorities of the clubs to authorize VFF to represent them in negotiating and signing contracts for the transfer of television broadcasting rights for professional football tournaments.” It also stated: “At the time of signing the contract on December 8, 2010, AVG did not have a television broadcasting license according to legal regulations.”
VPF has also sent a document to the stadium organizers and television stations implementing the Prime Minister's directive, requiring broadcasters to register in writing two days in advance.
On AVG's part, late yesterday afternoon, the company also issued a press release stating that it would not comment on the VPF's official letter. AVG also explained that: "Since signing the contract with the VFF, AVG has never prevented central or local television and radio stations from broadcasting matches from various football leagues organized by the VFF. AVG also affirms its respect for the Prime Minister's directive and will absolutely comply with and strictly implement this directive, as this is also AVG's wish and goal."
According to Thanh Nien newspaper
