V.League 2017: We desperately need the "rivalry" effect!

(Baonghean.vn) - In recent seasons, the V. League has no longer seen the frenzied races in the player transfer market. The inflated value of players has ceased to plague Vietnamese football, replaced by more fundamental and well-directed approaches, both in breadth and depth. However, the 2017 V. League is seeing the emergence of new, more positive races.

1.In 2002, HAGL, under Chairman Doan Nguyen Duc, made a big splash by recruiting the Thai trio of Kiatisuk, Dusis, and Chukiat. This was accompanied by a massive influx of then-famous Vietnamese football stars such as Nguyen Huu Dang and Van Sy Hung to Pleiku.

The extravagant spending of Chairman Duc prompted another club owner to take notice: Vo Quoc Thang, the Chairman of Dong Tam Long An Brick Club (now Long An Club). Immediately, Tan An Stadium became bustling with a host of players joining the team. Notable among them were coach Henrique Calisto and the three Brazilian players: the Rodriguez brothers (Antonio and Carlos), Santos, and others.

By signing Kiatisuk, Chairman Duc has opened up a transfer race in Vietnamese football. Photo: Internet

The rivalry between HAGL and Dong Tam Long An FC dragged Binh Duong and SHB Da Nang into intense competition both on and off the field. During the period from 2003 to 2013, the V. League was full of stars from all over the country, tainted by money.

Before long, Vietnam's top league became the "number one league in Southeast Asia." A series of expensive transfers were made by Vietnamese football's "big spenders" in Africa, South America, and Thailand. Faded stars like Denilson (the Brazilian star who joined Hai Phong Cement in 2009) and those in their prime like Lee Nguyen and Thonglao also flocked to the V. League.

But then things gradually returned to normal. The multi-billion dollar transfers like those of Le Cong Vinh, Viet Thang, and Quang Hai... were gone. Instead, the number of professional players returning to selling cakes or opening cafes due to unemployment increased significantly. The V. League picture took on a terribly bleak hue. Many looked on with disappointment, regretting the "golden age" of over a decade ago. Although the V. League back then was just an arms race in terms of money, a kind of "rivalry," it was still a period worth remembering.

2.In 2015, the Quang Ninh Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism allowed Than Quang Ninh FC to take over Cam Pha Stadium. Thanks to this, Cam Pha Stadium became one of the most modern stadiums in the V.League 2016. The success of Cam Pha Stadium served as the basis for the Hai Phong City People's Committee's decision to entrust Hai Phong FC with the management and operation of Lach Tray Stadium.

Recently, on December 20, 2016, the Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee, Nguyen Duc Chung, handed over the Hang Day Stadium to Hanoi FC. According to leaked information, the Hanoi FC leadership is planning to develop Hang Day Stadium into a leading modern stadium in the country.

The Hang Day Stadium is managed by Hanoi FC, under the direction of the Hanoi People's Committee. (Photo: Internet)

The opening match of the 2017 V. League season between SHB Da Nang and HAGL was the first match at Hoa Xuan Stadium in Da Nang. Since this season, Chi Lang Stadium has no longer been SHB Da Nang's home ground after decades of association. Although still under the management of the Da Nang City People's Committee, Hoa Xuan Stadium promises to contribute significantly to the development of SHB Da Nang in particular, and Da Nang football in general. Observations show that SHB Da Nang's new home is quite modern, with a capacity of approximately 20,000 spectators across stands A, B, C, and D.

Almost a month ago, there were reports that FLC Thanh Hoa FC was planning to build its own stadium with a capacity of approximately 40,000 spectators, similar to Bayern Munich's Allianz Arena. If this plan is successful, Vietnamese football will have another club owning a stadium. This will make the race to own a stadium in the V. League even more exciting, creating a ripple effect.

Thus, after HAGL and Than Quang Ninh, now it's SHB Da Nang, Hanoi FC, and soon FLC Thanh Hoa's turn to have their own stadiums. This seems to be a general trend in Vietnamese football. Having their own stadiums will address the long-standing problem of "shared ownership, no one takes ownership," which has significantly hindered the development of the country's football. "Like chickens fighting over a crow," the remaining clubs will likely not want to be outdone by HAGL, Than Quang Ninh, SHB Da Nang, Hanoi FC, and FLC Thanh Hoa.

It is possible that in the near future, more teams will plan to acquire their own stadiums to develop in a more professional direction. At that time, with the decision-making power and ownership of stadiums, Vietnamese football will have more quality playing fields, contributing to the overall development of the country's football towards greater professionalism. After all, infrastructure has a huge impact on the quality of any tournament.

Italy's top league, Serie A, was considered the highest-quality and most attractive in Europe during the 1980s and 90s. However, the most prestigious league in Italy has now been left behind by the Premier League, La Liga, and Bundesliga. Among many reasons, such as match-fixing and financial difficulties, the fact that stadiums remain under state control (by city councils) is also a factor contributing to Serie A's decline. The decision to build the Juventus Arena has, to some extent, helped the "Old Lady of Turin" stand out from the rest of the Italian league.

The Juventus Arena is always packed with spectators, a stark contrast to the general situation in Italian football. Photo: Internet

Recently, on his personal Facebook page, Acting Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City FC, Le Cong Vinh, showed off a photo of the team's modern locker room, comparable to those of European clubs. Perhaps the "luxury" enjoyed by the Ho Chi Minh City FC players will encourage other clubs' managements to invest heavily in providing their players with spacious and modern locker rooms. Sometimes, things happen unexpectedly, simply out of envy or jealousy.

The V. League 2017 ball has started rolling, a new season with many hopes for a brighter future than the previous one. At this point, Vietnamese football fans need a "rivalry" effect from the owners of the football teams.

Thanh Hung