Song Lam Nghe An and 3 teams proposed that V.League 2020 will not have any relegation teams

Attending the online meeting on the morning of March 31, including VPF leaders, 13/14 representatives of clubs participating in the 2020 V.League National Championship (Hoang Anh Gia Lai Club did not attend the meeting).

The meeting focused on two contents: Summarizing reports on Covid-19 prevention and control work at current clubs; Discussing plans and methods for centralized competition in the first leg of the LS 2020 National Championship when the Covid-19 epidemic is under control.

Online meeting between VPF and representatives of clubs participating in the LS National Championship 2020. Photo: VPF

In the current complicated situation of the epidemic, Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) recommends that all clubs need to focus on implementing the Prime Minister's directive and the Ministry of Health's guidance on epidemic prevention and control, to ensure the safety of all club members as well as their families. This is extremely important from now until April 15.

According to reports from participating clubs, the work of preventing and fighting the Covid-19 epidemic is being implemented very seriously and closely. Currently, 3 clubs such as Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Than Quang Ninh have stopped their players from practicing in groups, and the players have gone home to practice on their own.

Clubs regularly monitor and track local players, requiring players to strictly follow the Ministry of Health's epidemic prevention and control regulations, and report their health status to the club daily. The remaining clubs manage players centrally, not allowing players to move or contact with the outside. Work to strengthen awareness and responsibility education of athletes is regularly carried out.

Attending the online meeting on the morning of March 31 were representatives of 13/14 clubs participating in the LS National Championship 2020. Photo: Trung Kien

Under the direction of the Vietnam Football Federation, on March 25, VPF Company has developed a competition plan according to the regional competition format, expected to last until the end of the first leg.

8/13 teams including: Hanoi Club, Hong Linh Ha Tinh, Than Quang Ninh, Viettel, Thanh Hoa, Song Lam Nghe An, Saigon, Ho Chi Minh City agreed with VPF's plan to compete centrally when authorized by competent authorities to organize the tournament.

There are 4 clubs including: Song Lam Nghe An, SHB Da Nang, Hong Linh Ha Tinh and DNH Nam Dinh, sharing the same opinion that V.League 2020 should not have relegation and only compete for the championship.

Quang Nam Club stated: Whether to continue playing or not will be considered when the authorities announce the end of the epidemic; in case the epidemic is over, priority should be given to localities with less epidemics to compete first. Quang Nam Club requested VPF to carefully consider options so that clubs can participate and suffer the least damage.

The representative of Nam Ha Nam Dinh Pharmaceutical Club also asked VPF to create many plans, assuming the tournament will restart in May, June or July; the plans proposed must be carefully calculated and have support plans for the club.

V.League 2020 has no return date yet. Photo: VPF

B. Binh Duong Club and SHB Da Nang Club do not agree with VPF's centralized competition plan. SHB Da Nang also proposed that if there is not enough time to compete, consider a one-round competition plan to ensure players for the national team.

The comments from the clubs attending the meeting were all constructive, with the common goal of finding the most optimal solution for the 2020 national professional football season. Concluding the meeting, Mr. Tran Anh Tu - Chairman and General Director of VPF said that based on the opinions of the clubs, VPF will synthesize a report to the Vietnam Football Federation.

Based on the development of the Covid-19 epidemic, VPF will calculate and develop many competition plans for each period. If the Covid-19 epidemic is under control, as soon as the authorities allow the organization, VPF Company and the clubs will work together to find the best organization plan to bring the tournament back to serve the fans.

“The tournament will be held again when the competent authority allows it. The time for permission could be early May or June. As for the organization, the scale and form of the tournament is up to the authority of VFF and VPF. SLNA agreed on the plan to play in a centralized location without spectators.

Of course, some clubs disagree, some opinions also expressed difficulties. But for the common good, for football, we must try to overcome it. If the tournament is not held, it will be more dangerous because it will affect the revenue and funding from the tournament and the clubs.

Another thing I want to say is that this year there should be no relegation. Players will have better preparation for the national team in the regional tournament.”

Mr. Ho Van Chiem - Executive Director of SLNA Club

If V.League 2020 is canceled, how will it affect Vietnamese football?

(Baonghean.vn) - Recently, Mr. Nguyen Hup - Chairman of Quang Nam Club said that in the complicated situation of the Covid-19 epidemic, V.League 2020 should be canceled. Currently, VPF has not responded to this opinion.