VPF reminds Cong Vinh about his statement after losing to Hai Phong

On October 17, VPF (Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company) sent a document reminding the acting president of Ho Chi Minh City Football Club, Le Cong Vinh, to absolutely comply with the club's responsibilities, strictly follow professional football regulations, and avoid giving unconstructive opinions.

Referee Nguyen Van Kien gave a yellow card to a Ho Chi Minh City player (white) in the 1-4 loss to Hai Phong on October 15 at Lach Tray Stadium. Photo: Anh Phan

The above “scandal” arose from Mr. Le Cong Vinh’s statements after Ho Chi Minh City lost 1-4 to Hai Phong at Lach Tray Stadium in round 21 of V-League 2017. This acting chairman stated: “Ready to call for sponsorship to hire foreign referees to officiate V-League and hire people to run V-League…”.

Clip of Cong Vinh reacting to the referee in the match where Ho Chi Minh City lost to Hai Phong. Source: VPF

Referee Nguyen Van Kien was criticized by HCMC players (white) and the club's leaders after losing 1-4 to Hai Phong in round 21 of V-League 2017. Photo: ANH PHAN

The document reminding the chairman of Ho Chi Minh City Club sent by VPF at noon on October 17 stated: "In the first leg, after the 5th round of the tournament on February 14, 2017, the tournament organizing committee sent a document reminding him (Le Cong Vinh) about his unqualified statements regarding refereeing. After the 21st round, he violated the law again with similar behavior.

This not only causes negative effects on the reputation and image of him and Ho Chi Minh City Club, but also directly affects the image of professional football tournaments and VPF company - where he is also a shareholder representative.

After the heavy loss to Hai Phong (red shirt) 1-4 in round 21 of V-League 2017, players and leaders of Ho Chi Minh City Club criticized the referee. Photo: Anh Phan

Therefore, in this document, VPF company once again reminds and requests you, as the leader of a professional football club, not only in the role of a member of the tournament but also as a shareholder representative of VPF company, to absolutely comply with the responsibilities of the club, strictly comply with the current regulations on professional football; avoid giving unconstructive opinions in the mass media regarding refereeing in particular and tournament organization in general."

According to TTO