Coach Hoang Van Phuc has been suspended from coaching the Vietnam U23 team.

On the evening of October 30th, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) suspended head coach Hoang Van Phuc and team manager of the Vietnam U23 team, Truong Hai Tung. This shocking decision came just hours after the disappointing draw of the Vietnam U23 team against Bangu Atletico last night.

Vietnam U23 led Bangu 3-1 in the third match of Group B at the 2013 BTV Cup. With a two-goal advantage and Bangu reduced to 10 men, Vietnam U23 should have easily secured the victory.

Vietnam U23 were leading Bangu 3-1, and should have easily secured the victory. (Photo: Quang Nhựt - VNA)

However, the players in red repeatedly made inexplicable mistakes, conceded two goals, and had to settle for a 3-3 draw. This result meant the U23 team finished second in Group B and will have to face the South Korean student team in the semi-finals.

Immediately after the match, the VFF Standing Committee held a quick meeting and decided to suspend coach Hoang Van Phuc and team manager Truong Hai Tung from their duties. Assistant coach Phung Thanh Phuong was appointed as interim coach of the Vietnam U23 team, while VFF General Secretary Ngo Le Bang will fly to Binh Duong today to take over the position of team manager.

Mr. Phuc and Mr. Tung will have to submit their self-criticism reports to the VFF. Based on the results of their reports, the VFF will make a disciplinary decision after the BTV Cup and decide whether they will continue to participate in the SEA Games with the Vietnam U23 team.

VFF President Nguyen Trong Hy affirmed: “On the eve of the SEA Games, the Vietnam U23 team played a match that eroded fans' trust. Given the attitude of the Vietnam U23 team, the VFF cannot remain silent. We must impose strict penalties on the team manager and head coach because the coaching staff themselves failed to recognize the problem, allowing the players to perform poorly and disappointing the audience.”

“Team leader Truong Hai Tung and coach Hoang Van Phuc will have to submit a self-criticism report to the VFF immediately. This is a temporary disciplinary measure; after the BTV Cup 2013, we will thoroughly review each individual's violations to take further action. This is a very firm and resolute measure from the VFF. We will not be lenient with any individual, all for the purpose of ensuring the success of the Vietnam U23 team at the 27th SEA Games.”

Mr. Ngo Le Bang also stated: "For now, no one has concluded whether the Vietnam U23 team was involved in any wrongdoing related to gambling or money, but what the players showed was very disappointing and unacceptable."

The main figure in the incident, coach Hoang Van Phuc, stated: “I only heard about the temporary suspension. But the official decision hasn't been made yet, so I have to wait to see the specifics. One thing I want to affirm is that I did not incite the players to misbehave during the match against Bangu Atletico Clube.”

Vietnam U23's next match is the BTV Cup semi-final against South Korean students, taking place tomorrow (November 1st). This will be Mr. Thanh Duong's first match as acting head coach of the Vietnam U23 team.

According to VNA