Quang Nam FC surprised many yesterday by announcing its disbandment and proposed merger with Da Nang FC for the 2025-2026 V-League season. Players under contract and youth academy members would be transferred to Da Nang FC. Players without contracts or currently on trial would be free agents. Following the announcement, some players packed their bags and left the team.

Quang Nam FC is competing in a friendly tournament at their home stadium, Tam Ky, from 20/7 to 29/7. Photo: Tran Hai

Quang Nam FC is competing in a friendly tournament at their home stadium, Tam Ky, from 20/7 to 29/7. Photo: Tran Hai

Documents requesting withdrawal from the V-League were submitted to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF). However, while awaiting a response, Quang Nam FC unexpectedly reversed course this morning.

The club proposed two solutions. The first asks Da Nang City People's Committee and the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism to find and invite local businesses with the capacity and commitment to support Quang Nam FC and its youth academy. If successful, the team would continue to operate.

The second option, if sponsorship cannot be secured, is to merge with Da Nang FC. The 2017 V-League champions propose transferring all staff, players, and youth trainees to Da Nang FC.

Players under contract and youth team members are currently training and participating in the Thienlong Tournament at Tam Ky Stadium. With coach Van Sy Son in Japan for coaching certification, assistant Cao Sy Cuong is leading the team. Facing potential disbandment, many players are understandably upset, and some have already left to seek new opportunities, including midfielder Dang Van Lam. Goalkeeper Nguyen Van Cong and Phan Thanh Hau previously joined Binh Duong FC.

"We are very sad, but there's no other way. We feel for the players. They worked hard to avoid relegation last season," a coaching staff member shared. "If the management had announced the disbandment earlier, the players could have made other plans. Now, with the season approaching, many will struggle to find new teams and may face unemployment."

Quang Nam FC was founded in 1997 after the separation of Quang Nam-Da Nang province. Initially competing in the second and first divisions, they joined the V-League in 2014 and won the championship in 2017, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the province's re-establishment.

Following their title win, Quang Nam FC declined, even being relegated in 2020. They returned to the V-League in 2023 after winning the first division but have struggled to stay competitive, finishing 11th out of 14 teams last season.

According to VnExpress, several other teams, including first division clubs like Dong Nai, Long An, Khanh Hoa, Hoa Binh, Gia Dinh, and Van Hien University, may also face disbandment if they cannot secure sustainable funding.

Duc Dong