Last week, Quang Nam announced it might disband and suspend football operations to merge with Da Nang. The V-League organizers then issued an ultimatum and extended the deadline multiple times for the team to confirm their participation.

On July 28, Quang Nam announced they had found an investor with the financial capacity and dedication to operate and develop the club sustainably in future seasons. However, due to some contract signing procedures, Quang Nam requested an extension until 5 PM on July 30 for the V-League organizers to review.

Quang Nam (in yellow) drew 0-0 with Binh Duong in V-League 2024-2025, at Binh Duong Stadium, 11/5/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

Quang Nam (in yellow) drew 0-0 with Binh Duong in V-League 2024-2025, at Binh Duong Stadium, 11/5/2025. Photo: Duc Dong

However, Quang Nam repeatedly missed the deadline, including the final one on August 1.

Quang Nam failed to submit their player registration list and competition contracts by the 5 PM deadline. According to V-League regulations, a team must register at least 20 players to be eligible to participate.

Furthermore, Quang Nam also failed to demonstrate financial capacity, such as contracts with sponsors, for the new season.

The Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), the league organizer, is processing the final procedures before reporting the matter to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) for disciplinary action. For withdrawing from the league, Quang Nam's management will face a fine of 300 million VND. However, the VFF is unlikely to collect the fine as the club is likely to disband.

Previously, the VFF had also issued a poll to its members to present options in case Quang Nam ceased operations. Specifically, according to the first option, Binh Phuoc would be promoted as a replacement, maintaining 14 teams in the V-League. If Binh Phuoc declined, PVF-CAND would be considered. If PVF-CAND also refused, the V-League would proceed with 13 teams.

Binh Phuoc recently lost to Da Nang in the play-off match for a spot in V-League 2025-2026. However, according to VnExpress, despite being given the green light, neither the First Division runners-up nor PVF-CAND are keen on the offered V-League spot. Moreover, having only prepared their squads for the First Division, they feel they are not ready for the V-League.

The V-League 2025-2026 faces the risk of having only 13 teams. In that case, the VPF will have to redraw the match schedule.

Hieu Luong