Why hasn't SLNA met AFC professional standards?
(Baonghean.vn) - According to the AFC's announcement, SLNA is not among the 5 teams eligible to participate in continental club competitions. This is despite SLNA participating in all youth-level tournaments in 2018 and having obtained the necessary permits to participate in the AFC Cup 2018.
Specifically, the five Vietnamese teams that meet the Asian professional standards include Hanoi FC, Binh Duong FC, Da Nang SHB FC, Quang Ninh Than FC, and Khanh Hoa BVN FC. The list for 2018 included Hanoi FC, Binh Duong FC, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, and Song Lam Nghe An.
Of these, Hanoi, Binh Duong, and SHB Da Nang are the three clubs that fully meet the standards and conditions to participate in the AFC Champions League. The remaining two teams meet the minimum standards and are eligible to participate in the AFC Cup.
Due to the AFC's professional standards, V.League champions Quang Nam unfortunately lost their spot in the AFC Champions League in the 2018 season. The opportunity to participate in the continental tournament was subsequently given to FLC Thanh Hoa.
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| SLNA still faces many difficulties in its journey towards true professionalism. (Photo: Archival image) |
The AFC assesses the professionalism of clubs based on criteria including: Sport (youth training and player development), Facilities (academies, stadiums, pitches, equipment), Human Resources - Administration, Legal and Financial.
In addition, the teams must participate in all youth tournaments organized by the Vietnam Football Federation. Other criteria, such as local airports, hospitals, and hotels, must meet the standards set by the AFC.
SLNA basically met all of the above criteria. However, in 2018, SLNA did not participate in the AFC Cup or any continental tournament, so the team from Nghe An did not pay much attention to submitting the application to the AFC to achieve professional status.
On the other hand, SLNA's preparation for the 2019 V.League season was quite passive in terms of operating costs and sponsorships. They spent time negotiating with sponsors, so it's understandable that they didn't meet the requirements regarding facilities and finances.
At the end of January, the IFFHS (International Federation of Football History & Statistics) published its ranking of national football leagues worldwide. According to the ranking, the K.League is the number one league in Asia for the eighth consecutive year and ranks 19th in the world (up 9 places). The Thai-League ranks 8th in Asia and 60th in the world (down 2 places).
The IFFHS began publishing this list in 1991, based on the results and achievements of the top 5 clubs in each country in continental competitions. The statistics select the 80 best leagues, but Vietnam is not included in this group.
Thanh Hoa and SLNA have been officially eliminated from the AFC Cup 2018.
(Baonghean.vn) - Having lost to Johor Darul Ta'zim in the final match of Group H of the AFC Cup 2018, along with the results in Group F, SLNA has officially been eliminated from the continental tournament.
