The proposal applies to V-League clubs, increasing the maximum number of registered foreign players to 5, one more than currently allowed. For teams participating in club-level tournaments organized by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF), the maximum number of registered foreign players would increase to 8, up from the current 7. However, each team can only register a maximum of 5 foreign players per match and use four simultaneously on the field.

The proposal was submitted by two clubs to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) earlier this week. Yesterday, 9/4, the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), which organizes Vietnam's professional football leagues, sent an official letter to clubs to solicit feedback. VPF's position is to implement VFF's policy of enhancing professional quality and increasing competitiveness for the tournaments.

Cong an Ha Noi (in red) defeated HAGL 3-1 in round 17 of the 2025-2026 V-League season, at Hang Day Stadium in Ha Noi on 28/2. Photo: Hoang Huynh

Clubs such as Hai Phong, Cong an TP HCM, and Becamex TP HCM support increasing the number of foreign players to 5. "This number will not affect the playing opportunities for local players, while also improving quality and competitiveness," Van Tran Hoan, Chairman of Hai Phong Club, told VnExpress. "The foreign players themselves will also face competition when one has to be a substitute."

Thanh Hoa Club also agrees, but wishes to reserve the fifth foreign player slot for a Southeast Asian player. A representative from the Thanh Hoa team stated: "Clubs would have more quality options than local players, but at a more affordable cost, while also enhancing regional connectivity and image."

Additionally, this change is expected to benefit clubs participating in international tournaments. AFC competitions do not limit foreign players, and the ASEAN Club Cup currently allows each team to use 7 foreign players per match. Therefore, increasing the number of foreign players in the V-League would further reduce waste.

However, opposing teams also have valid reasons. SLNA is facing difficulties next season without a main sponsor, so increasing foreign players would put them at a greater disadvantage compared to others.

Nguyen Tan Anh, CEO of HAGL, believes that registering a maximum of 4 and using three foreign players simultaneously on the field is "the most suitable option at this time." He added, "Professional quality is still ensured, while local players have opportunities to play and gain experience."

Meanwhile, Ninh Binh Club emphasized that local players having playing opportunities is a "core factor for the long-term progress of Vietnamese football." Furthermore, increasing foreign players would escalate financial pressure when many teams are not yet operating stably, potentially leading to withdrawals or dissolutions.

"Management and operating agencies need to prioritize fundamental issues such as: increasing sponsorship sources, boosting revenue, and improving the policies, benefits, and working conditions for VFF and VPF staff to enhance the quality of tournament organization and management. Increasing foreign players, if considered in the future, should only be proposed when the V-League expands to 16 to 18 teams," stated Ninh Binh's official letter to VPF.

VPF will compile feedback from clubs by 11:00 tomorrow, 11/4.

Hieu Luong - Duc Dong