VFF ruled Luxury Hạ Long lost 0-3 to Hanoi Bulls.
On October 31, 2025, the VFF issued Decision 1019/QD-LDBDVN: a fine of 5,000,000 VND and a 0-3 loss for the match on October 26 due to the player's ineligibility; Hanoi Bulls were promoted to 3rd place in Group A, Luxury Ha Long finished last; appeals are permitted.
An administrative ruling has changed the dynamics of Group A. On October 31, 2025, the Disciplinary Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) issued Decision No. 1019/QD-LDBDVN: fining Luxury Ha Long 5,000,000 VND and declaring a 0-3 loss for their match against Hanoi Bulls on October 26, 2025, for using players who were ineligible to participate in the 2025 National Third Division Football League. The team has the right to appeal to the VFF Appeals Committee as per regulations.
Disciplinary Decision 1019/QD-LDBDVN
The ruling affirms the principle of fair play in non-professional leagues. The financial penalty accompanying the direct loss overturns the match result and sets a precedent to deter violations of player eligibility.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Decision | Decision No. 1019/QD-LDBDVN, issued on October 31, 2025 |
| Forms of disciplinary action | A fine of 5,000,000 VND was imposed; the match was declared a 0-3 loss. |
| Matches to be applied | Hanoi Bulls vs Luxury Ha Long (October 26, 2025) |
| Base | Using players who are ineligible to participate in the 2025 National Third Division League. |
| Right to appeal | Yes, please send it to the Vietnam Football Federation's Complaints Resolution Board. |
Impact on Group A of the 2025 National Third Division League
With a 3-0 victory awarded to them, Hanoi Bulls moved up to third place in Group A. Luxury Ha Long remains at the bottom of the table with no points.
Recent matches and provisional standings
Prior to the ruling, Hanoi Bulls and Luxury Ha Long shared points in the first round of Group A. In the second round, Luxury Ha Long lost 1-3 to Hoai Duc Youth, while CAHN Youth defeated Hanoi Bulls 1-0. Combined with the disciplinary action, the standings in the middle of Group A have changed significantly.
Tournament format and context
The 2025 Third Division season brings together 17 teams: An Giang, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Hanoi Bulls, Hoai Duc, Luxury Ha Long, Phu Dong FC, STP FOOD Ho Chi Minh City, Becamex Youth Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi Police Youth, Dak Lak Youth, Thong Nhat Youth – TPG, Dao Ha Football Center, Ha Tinh Sports Training and Development Center, Khanh Hoa Sports Training Center, Dong Nai University of Technology, Truong Giang – Gia Dinh.
Grouping and host unit
- Group A (hosted by: Hoai Duc Football Joint Stock Company): Hanoi Bulls, Hoai Duc, Luxury Ha Long, Phu Dong FC, Dao Ha Football Center, Hanoi Police Youth Team.
- Group B (hosted by: Dak Lak Sports Training and Competition Center): Dak Lak Youth, Thong Nhat Youth - TPG, Becamex Ho Chi Minh City Youth, Khanh Hoa Sports Training and Competition Center, Ha Tinh Sports Training and Competition Center.
- Group C (hosted by: KENOS JSC and Hoc Mon Cultural and Sports Service Supply Center, Ho Chi Minh City): An Giang, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Dong Nai University of Technology, STP FOOD Ho Chi Minh City, Truong Giang – Gia Dinh.
The tournament uses a double round-robin format to determine points and rankings in each group. The top three teams in each group and the best-performing second-place team will qualify for the 2026 National Second Division League. When considering the best-performing second-place team, the organizing committee will not take into account the results of matches against the last-placed team in groups with more teams to ensure fairness in the number of matches played.
The significance of player eligibility regulations
In developing football leagues, adherence to player eligibility regulations is the cornerstone of fair play. This disciplinary action underscores that standard: results on the scoreboard may change, but the principles of transparency and the supremacy of the rules are non-negotiable. The right to appeal remains open, but the immediate effect of the ruling has created a new map for the race in Group A.
