VFF issues series of penalties after 0-3 loss in National Third Division
On November 7, 2025, the VFF Disciplinary Board fined A Hung 1,250,000 VND and suspended him for 3 matches; Coach Nguyen Van Long and Mr. Thai Van Dung were each suspended for 2 matches after the incident in the match between Truong Giang Gia Dinh and STP FOOD TP.HCM.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Disciplinary Board announced a series of penalties in the 2025 National Third Division, immediately after the decision to award a team a 0-3 loss for violating the regulations. The focus was on the incident in the match between Truong Giang Gia Dinh and STP FOOD TP.HCM on November 5, 2025, where reactions to the referee caused the match to be interrupted for 10 minutes.
Disciplinary decision of VFF
According to the announcement dated November 7, 2025, the Disciplinary Board issued the following penalties:
- Fined 1,250,000 VND and suspended from the next 3 matches for player A Hung (STP FOOD TP.HCM) for reacting to the referee; intentionally interrupting the match Truong Giang Gia Dinh - STP FOOD TP.HCM on November 5, 2025.
- Fined 1,250,000 VND and suspended from duty for the next 2 matches for Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Head Coach of STP FOOD TP.HCM, for reacting to the referee; intentionally interrupting the above match.
- Fined 1,250,000 VND and suspended from duty for the next 2 matches for Mr. Thai Van Dung, technical analyst of STP FOOD HCMC, for the same reason.
Key development: Penalty was withdrawn in the 65th minute
The incident broke out in the 65th minute. The referee initially awarded STP Food TP.HCM a penalty, but after consulting with his assistant, the decision was reversed and changed to a drop ball for Truong Giang Gia Dinh. This reversal immediately raised the reaction from STP Food TP.HCM.
Disagreeing, many players left the field and headed to the technical area; Coach Nguyen Van Long argued loudly with the referee team. Player A Hung brought a plastic chair to sit on, some other players went to the locker room. The match was interrupted for about 10 minutes before it could be continued.
Context: 0-3 loss for using ineligible player
Before the above series of penalties, VFF had lost Luxury Ha Long Club 0-3 in the match against Hanoi Bulls for using ineligible players, along with a fine of 5 million VND. Although the 2025 National Third Division has only had a few matches, disciplinary work has had to be taken place continuously.
Immediate impact on STP FOOD HCMC
The suspensions mean that STP FOOD TP.HCM will lose A Hung for the next three matches; Coach Nguyen Van Long and Mr. Thai Van Dung will not be able to perform their duties in two matches. With the tournament still long, the lack of personnel and temporary coaching staff may force this team to make significant adjustments in the technical area and on the field.
Notable numbers
- 0-3: Luxury Ha Long lost to Hanoi Bulls due to player qualification violation.
- 5 million VND: Fine imposed on Luxury Ha Long Club after the above match.
- 1,250,000: The fine applied to each individual of STP FOOD TP.HCM in the incident on November 5, 2025.
- 03 and 02: Number of suspension matches for A Hung (03) and two coaching staff members (02) respectively.
- 10 minutes: The time the match Truong Giang Gia Dinh - STP FOOD TP.HCM was interrupted.
- November 7, 2025: Date the VFF Disciplinary Board issues disciplinary decisions.
