V-League 2018 embroiled in a television broadcasting rights dispute.

The Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) signed a contract with Next Media to produce the V-League in 2017. However, after the general meeting to elect a new Board of Directors, they want to terminate the contract.

“Football has two main areas that attract viewers: in the stadium and through television and the internet. However, the previous General Director handed over the entire internet segment to a partner, preventing VPF from developing it in any way it wants. Furthermore, according to the agreement, profits from production are split equally, but when we requested financial figures, they were not provided. Therefore, VPF wants to terminate the contract,” shared Tran Anh Tu, Chairman of the Board of Directors and General Director of VPF..

Meanwhile, Next Media stated that they were not at fault, and that VPF's unilateral termination of the contract was unreasonable. They have filed a complaint with the relevant authorities. At this point, the two sides have yet to reach a common understanding, and it is highly likely they will have to take the matter to court.

Today, the VPF will announce the sponsor for the 2018 V-League, but they have not yet released the live broadcast schedule, even though the tournament will kick off this weekend (March 10th). Several television stations have stated they have not yet decided on live broadcasts of the national championship due to concerns about potential disputes. It is highly likely that very few matches will be televised in the early rounds.

“We want a good contract so that the V-League can generate revenue from television broadcasting rights. Currently, the VPF has not reached an agreement with VTV, but some other stations have agreed. We will not let the V-League start without any live broadcast. The league's sponsor only requested four matches broadcast live each round,” Mr. Tran Anh Tu added.