Super League makes impressive start

The derby between Saigon FC (Blue) and Navibank Saigon ended in a 2-2 draw at Thong Nhat Stadium on Sunday.

Twenty goals from seven matches were not many, but the first round of Vietnam’s top-tier Super League on the weekend was generally thrilling.

The most exciting match on Sunday was perhaps the scoreless draw at Vinh Stadium between visitors Thanh Hoa and the league champ Song Lam Nghe An (SLNA).

Despite having sold several of their favorite players, Thanh Hoa was still a strong, united team thanks to the management of coach Trieu Quang Ha.

The host SLNA had more scoring chances, but Thanh Hoa’s goalkeeper To Vinh Loi was excellent, and defenders were tough and stood firm until the final minute.

Another visiting team that was very good was Dong Thap, which had sold several of its best players while coach Pham Cong Loc moved to Navibank Saigon.

Dong Thap's young players nevertheless were in high spirits and were bold throughout the match, helping them to come back from two goals behind to earn a 2-2 draw with host Ninh Binh.

The derby between Navibank Saigon and Saigon FC was a see-saw game before ending in a 2-2 draw at Thong Nhat Stadium.

The 2010 champ Hanoi T&T beat neighbor Hanoi FC 1-0 at Hanoi’s Hang Day Stadium, while the 2009 champ SHB Da Nang struggled to defeat Khatoco Khanh Hoa 3-2 at Chi Lang Stadium.

In early matches on Saturday, the 2007-2008 champion Becamex Binh Duong beat visitor Kien Long Bank Kien Giang 2-0 at Go Dau Stadium. The 2004-2006 champ Hoang Anh Gia Lai won 3-1 against visiting squad Vicem Hai Phong at Pleiku Stadium.

By Thanh Nien News

VFF accepts rebel chairmen football reform proposal

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has accepted a proposal by football club chairmen to establish a Vietnam Professional Football Company (VPF).

VFF Vice Chairman Le Hung Dung said the VPF project was feasible

In an interview with DTiNews, Vice Chairman of the VFF Le Hung Dung, said the establishment of the company would mark a turning point in Vietnamese football, helping reduce shortcomings in the organisation of the top-flight V-League.

Is it pressure from the clubs that has led to the VFF approving the establishment of the company?

As leader of the VFF, I can say now that it was not about the club chairmen, but everything to do with the future of the country’s football. VFF Deputy Chairman Pham Ngoc Vien had proposed reforms previously, but they remained too theoretical.

I think the VPF project recommended by Hanoi ACB Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien and other club chairmen is feasible. I am grateful for their initiative. If the project is implemented quickly, I believe the 2012 V-League season will be successful.

Do you think that the existence of the VPF will reduce the VFF’s influence?

I think that the company will not affect VFF’s role. Indeed, it will help VFF to organise the V-League on a better footing. This also offers favourable conditions for the VFF to focus on finding and developing players for the national squad.

Based on the chairmen’s proposal, The VFF will hold 35.5% of VPF’s charter capital with the remainder held by the 14 V-League clubs. The VFF will have to discuss league issues with the clubs, and no longer have the right to decide things by itself.

Can the establishment of the VPF be considered a breakthrough for Vietnamese football?

If all commitments between VFF and the team chairmen are implemented correctly, the VPF will be a great turning point for domestic football. The company will help to deal with serious problems which have led to public outrage, such as poor refereeing and accusations of bias. The company may face a few teething difficulties, but it sure to make a difference in the long term.

Do you think that the proposed salary of VND30-50 million (USD1,442-USD2,403) per month for a referee will help deal with potential match fixing?

Improving the income of referees is vital, so that they can fully devote themselves to their work. I’m strongly in favour of the proposal.

Referee salaries will be between VND30-50 million a month, depending on their capacity and prestige. I think that the new levels of pay should help mitigate some of the problems.

Prior to the annual VFF season review meeting, club chairmen issued a manifesto calling for widespread reform of Vietnam’s top V-League. Six chairmen Nguyen Duc Kien of Hanoi ACB, Doan Nguyen Duc of Hoang Anh Gia Lai, Vo Quoc Thang of Dong Tam Long An, Le Tien Anh of Khataco Khanh Hoa, Hoang Manh Truong of Vissai Ninh Binh and Nguyen Van De of Thanh Hoa proposed the formation of a Vietnam Professional Football Company.

The company will have a charter capital of over VND22.8 billion (USD1.1 million), of which VFF will contribute to 35.5% of the total and the rest held by 14 football team. Each team will contribute VND1 billion.

VFF said it will work with the chairmen on the development of the VPF project early next week. The company should be established prior to the VFF’s annual general meeting.

Source:www1.dtinews.vn