Is FLC Group still involved with football?
(Baonghean.vn) - In recent days, Thanh Hoa leaders have held meetings with FLC Thanh Hoa regarding the team's development strategy. While the official content of the meeting has not been announced, rumors are currently circulating that FLC has stopped investing in the Thanh Hoa team.
On many Thanh Hoa fan forums, the focus is on the question: Will FLC continue in the game? Many opinions express disappointment, even though this has not been officially announced. This is especially true after the Thanh Hoa Tax Department issued a document stating that FLC Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company tops the list of tax debtors (nearly 40 billion VND).
"Chelsea Vietnam
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| After three years together, fans in Thanh Hoa are eagerly awaiting to know who will be the new owner of FLC Thanh Hoa. (Image: Internet) |
In June 2015, FLC took over Thanh Hoa Football Club from Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company. Accordingly, all personnel, including officials, employees, workers, coaches, first team players, youth teams, coaching staff, as well as all assets and facilities under the Club's management, such as the youth football training center and stadium, were transferred intact to the FLC Group.
Mr. De, the owner of Cong Thanh Cement and a series of hospital and eco-tourism projects in Thanh Hoa province, has officially retired from football, leaving behind immense regret among fans. FLC Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company was established on September 7, 2015, with a charter capital of 50 billion VND and three founding shareholders: FLC Group (owning 80% of the charter capital), Mr. Doan Van Phuong (10%), and Mr. Le Thanh Vinh (10%). Mr. Doan Van Phuong, one of the founders of FLC, held the position of Chairman of the Board of Directors and CEO.
Although he owns Thanh Hoa FC, Doan Van Phuong is better known as the husband of Miss Vietnam National Identity 2016, Thu Ngan, despite the 19-year age difference, rather than as a football club owner. FLC chose a similar approach to Binh Duong before, sparing no expense in buying coaches and players to quickly win the gold trophy. After Binh Duong changed its football strategy, FLC Thanh Hoa became the "Vietnamese Chelsea".
Abundant financial resources allowed the Thanh Hoa team to acquire players like Vu Minh Tuan, Dinh Tien Thanh, Van Binh, Dinh Dong, Hoang Thinh, Trong Hoang, and coach Petrovic… At one point, FLC Thanh Hoa fielded a team of national team players and former national team players, resembling a miniature "Vietnam national team". Last season, FLC Thanh Hoa even faced a "goal-oversupply crisis" with Thanh Thang, Buu Ngoc, and Tien Dung on the field. With no other option, coach Duc Thang had to rotate goalkeepers, and when stability was needed, goalkeeper Tien Dung "gifted" the National Cup to B.Binh Duong with two amateur-level mistakes.
The sorrow of Thanh Hoa province
The decision to let go of Quoc Phuong, a player trained by Thanh Hoa, and bring in Minh Tuan from Quang Ninh, who has performed poorly, has also displeased many fans. Over the past three years, despite significant investment, FLC Thanh Hoa has only won two V.League runner-up titles and reached the National Cup final last year. FLC Thanh Hoa often falters at crucial moments, disappointing sponsors and fans alike.
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| The Thanh Hoa Tax Department issued a notice regarding the tax debt of FLC Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company. (Image: Internet) |
FLC's "bold" investment in Thanh Hoa is real, with some even claiming they've poured no less than 200 billion VND into the sport. However, their approach to football doesn't resemble that of professional investors; they're not keen on youth development, selecting players before appointing coaches… leaving many Thanh Hoa fans skeptical.
In fact, on December 28, 2016, the Board of Directors of FLC Group Joint Stock Company issued Resolution No. 70/NQ-HĐQT, approving the policy of transferring shares in FLC Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company. After divestment, FLC Thanh Hoa Football Joint Stock Company will no longer be a subsidiary or an affiliated company of FLC Group.
Of course, in that case, FLC would also not have to consolidate the business results from this football company into the group's operations, and the rumored story of "FLC ceasing investment in football" would only have relative significance.
Fourteen years after its founding, FLC has ventured into football, and Thanh Hoa was chosen by owner Trinh Van Quyet as the place where he was born and raised. However, whether this partnership will last remains to be seen; the FLC Thanh Hoa owner will make an official announcement in a few days, and Thanh Hoa fans have no choice but to wait!
After 18 years of being labeled "professional football," the "FLC story" is not unique to Thanh Hoa province; numerous clubs, after each season, eagerly await the actions of their club owners!
