Vietnamese football again met with the match fixing scandal

Vietnamese football is again affected by scandal after Phu Tho FC was downgraded by FIFA for the game fixing, which spoke serious concerns about the integrity of sport in the country.

1. FIFA sanctions Phu Tho FC for Match-Fixing

FIFA has officially transformed Phu Tho FC into the third division of Vietnam because violations of the games are fixed, a step that affects the image of Vietnamese football on the international stage again.

The decision was followed by a thorough investigation, which was probably bound to the 2023/24 B.League 2 season when the club had relegated after a dark performance.

This season, the Midland Club went through three different head coaches and only achieved one win, three draws and 16 defeats. They only scored six goals while they came 43.

2. A disturbing history of the scandals in Vietnamese football

Unfortunately, Phu Tho FCS is not the first time that the Vietnamese football of the FIFA was disciplinary. Sport in Vietnam has experienced several similar scandals that undermine the public's trust in domestic competitions.

Apart from cases that are rooted in contractual disputes or regulatory misinterpretations such as those involved in which HOA or HAGL is involved, there are more harmful incidents of corruption, many clubs such as Ninh Binh, Dong Nai and Vung Tau are involved. Some cases even escalated legal proceedings.

In view of this story, it is no surprise that the latest scandal with Phu Tho FC has not shocked many fans.

3 .. repeated lessons, but the problem remains

In so many precedents, the question arises: Why was Vietnamese football not free from these topics?

The answer could be in the weak control mechanisms of sport, lax surveillance and the lenient punishments. While the FIFA oversaws Pastors without hesitation, the domestic authorities often only issue warnings or choose a more forgiving approach instead of the problem completely uprooting.

This cannot be said that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is indifferent, but his efforts are often missing the severity that is necessary to really prevent misconduct. A more uncompromising attitude towards individuals, clubs and actions that have fallen with the match is absent.

It is probably time for stronger and more decisive actions of the VFF and the relevant authorities to eliminate corruption once and for all. Only then can Vietnamese football mature, improve and pour the scandals, which repeatedly pull it down – like the one that is only involved with Phu Tho FC.

Duy Nguyen