VFF ruled Luxury Ha Long lost 0-3 to Hanoi Bulls
On October 31, 2025, VFF issued Decision 1019/QD-LĐBĐVN: fine 5,000,000 VND and lose 0-3 match on October 26 because player is not qualified; Hanoi Bulls promoted to 3rd place in group A, Luxury Ha Long at the bottom of the table; have the right to appeal.
An administrative ruling has turned the tables in Group A. On October 31, 2025, the VFF Disciplinary Board issued Decision No. 1019/QD-LĐBĐVN: fined 5,000,000 VND and lost 0-3 to Luxury Ha Long in the match against Hanoi Bulls on October 26, 2025, for using players who are not qualified to participate in the 2025 National Third Division Football Tournament. The team has the right to appeal to the VFF Complaint Resolution Board according to regulations.
Disciplinary decision 1019/QD-LĐBĐVN
The ruling affirms the principle of fair play in non-professional tournaments. The financial penalty that comes with a direct loss decision reverses the outcome of the match and at the same time creates a deterrent precedent for violations of player qualifications.
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Decision | 1019/QD-LĐBĐVN, issued on October 31, 2025 |
| Disciplinary action | Fine 5,000,000 VND; lose 0-3 |
| Applicable match | Hanoi Bulls vs Luxury Ha Long (October 26, 2025) |
| Base | Using ineligible players to participate in the 2025 National Third Division |
| Right to complain | Yes, send to the Vietnam Football Federation Complaints Resolution Board |
Impact on Group A of the 2025 National Third Division
With a 3-0 victory, Hanoi Bulls rose to 3rd place in Group A. Luxury Ha Long is still at the bottom of the table with no points.
Recent matches and temporary order
Before the verdict, 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 Tre Hoai Duc, while Tre CAHN won 1-0 against Hanoi Bulls. Combined with the disciplinary decision, the situation in the middle group of Group A has 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 HCMC, Becamex HCMC Youth, Hanoi Police Youth, Dak Lak Youth, Thong Nhat Youth - TPG, Dao Ha Football Center, Ha Tinh Sports Training and Exercise Center, Khanh Hoa Sports Training and Exercise Center, Dong Nai University of Technology, Truong Giang - Gia Dinh.
Division and hosting unit
- Group A (host: Hoai Duc Football Joint Stock Company): Hanoi Bulls, Hoai Duc, Luxury Ha Long, Phu Dong FC, Dao Ha Football Center, Hanoi Police Youth.
- Group B (host: Dak Lak Sports Training and Training Center): Dak Lak Youth, Thong Nhat Youth - TPG, Becamex Youth Ho Chi Minh City, Khanh Hoa Sports Training and Training Center, Ha Tinh Sports Training and Training Center.
- Group C (host: KENOS Joint Stock Company and Hoc Mon Cultural and Sports Service 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 applies a two-round round-robin format to calculate points and rank each group. The three group winners and the best second-placed team will qualify for the 2026 National Second Division. When considering the performance of the best second-placed team, the Organizing Committee will not consider the results of matches against the bottom team in groups with more teams to ensure fairness in the number of matches.
The meaning of player eligibility regulations
In grassroots football development, compliance with player eligibility rules is the boundary that ensures fair play. This disciplinary decision underscores that standard: results on the scoreboard may change, but the principles of transparency and respect for the rules cannot be compromised. The right to appeal remains open, but the immediate effect of the decision has created a new map for the Group A race.
