The Vietnam Football Federation issues a series of penalties for young players

The Vietnam Football Federation continues to impose additional sanctions during the 2025/2026 National U19 Qualifiers.

In the final days of 2025, the Disciplinary Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) consecutively announced strict punishments in the qualifying rounds of the 2025/26 National U19 Championship. This is seen as a decisive move to eliminate on-field violence and negative behaviors, safeguarding the integrity of youth football in the country.

The focus of this disciplinary wave targets violent conduct towards both referees and players. According to Decision No. 1249, Head coach Đinh Văn Dũng of U19 Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh received a severe penalty: a fine of 7.5 million VND and a suspension from duties for the next 6 matches due to intentional physical assault on a referee. His assistant, Nguyễn Anh Cường, was also suspended for 2 matches for misconduct in response.

Similarly, player Nguyễn Huỳnh Đăng Khoa (U19 Ho Chi Minh City) was suspended for 3 matches and fined 3.75 million VND under Decision No. 1254 following an incident of physical contact with an opponent during the match against U19 Đắk Lắk on December 29.

Most notably, a series of "harsh" penalties were handed down to the U19 Bê Tông 26 team collective. The VFF issued consecutive decisions numbered 1243 to 1247 to punish players who underperformed deliberately, severely damaging the reputation of the tournament:

• Trần Duy Quang and Trương Phú Quý: Both were banned from playing until the end of the competition and fined 3.75 million VND each.

• Trần Triệu Anh Khoa, Đinh Duy Báo, and goalkeeper Nguyễn Công Thuận: Each received a suspension for the next 5 matches along with a fine of 2.5 million VND per player.

The VFF’s rapid succession of disciplinary rulings within a few days (from December 29 to December 30) sends a firm message: Any actions that tarnish the image of football, from on-field violence to suspected corruption, will be dealt with uncompromisingly.

This move not only serves to deter individuals who break the rules but also aims to guide the youth football environment towards healthy and fair development. The strictness of the Disciplinary Committee during the tense period of the tournament is essential to restore fans’ trust and ensure the professional quality of Vietnamese football in the future.