Last week, Quang Nam FC announced it might disband and suspend football operations to merge with Da Nang FC. The V-League organizers then issued an ultimatum, extending the deadline several times for the Quang Nam team to confirm its participation.
On the afternoon of 28/7, Quang Nam FC announced it had found an investor with sufficient financial resources and dedication to operate, maintain, and develop the club sustainably in the coming seasons. However, due to some pending contract signing procedures, Quang Nam requested an extension until 5 PM on 30/7 for the V-League organizers to review their case.
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Quang Nam FC was saved at the last minute and will still participate in the 2025-2026 V-League, but most of their players have left the team to find new clubs. Photo: Le Phi Hai |
Quang Nam FC was saved at the last minute and will still participate in the 2025-2026 V-League, but most of their players have left the team to find new clubs. Photo: Le Phi Hai
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) had previously surveyed its members for contingency plans in case Quang Nam ceased operations. One plan proposed promoting Binh Phuoc FC and maintaining a 14-team V-League. Another plan suggested proceeding with a 13-team league.
Binh Phuoc recently lost to Da Nang in the play-off match for a spot in the 2025-2026 V-League. However, according to VnExpress, despite being given the green light, the first division runners-up are not enthusiastic about a "handed" V-League spot. They have only prepared for the first division and feel they are not ready for the V-League. "We want to prepare thoroughly and then compete for a direct promotion spot, not rush into it like this," a Binh Phuoc member said.
Meanwhile, despite being saved at the last minute, Quang Nam is facing a difficult personnel challenge. Coach Van Si Son's contract has expired with no news of renewal. The replacement could be former Binh Phuoc coach and former national player Huynh Quoc Anh. Key players have also left for new clubs due to expiring contracts, leaving the team with mostly young players and those on trial.
After deciding to continue in the V-League, Quang Nam may receive reinforcements from Da Nang FC, but the fellow local team also doesn't have a surplus of players. Additionally, Quang Nam has yet to begin recruiting foreign players as the season approaches.
Quang Nam FC was founded in 1997 after the separation of Quang Nam-Da Nang province. Initially, they mainly competed in the second and first divisions, finally qualifying for the V-League in 2014. In 2017, Quang Nam surprisingly won the V-League, coinciding with the 20th anniversary of the province's re-establishment.
Quang Nam's performance declined after that peak, even being relegated in the 2020 V-League. In 2023, they won the first division again to return to the 2023-2024 V-League. However, the team has struggled in the past two seasons, finishing 11th out of 14 teams.
Duc Dong
