“The Vietnam Sports Administration has been informed that the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has issued a decision to expel Phu Tho FC from the 2025 Second Division and relegate the club to the Third Division for involvement in match manipulation in several previous games. This information seriously damages the reputation of Vietnamese football,” the VSA stated in an official letter sent to the VFF.

To report to the leadership of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the VSA has asked the VFF to detail its oversight responsibilities and supervisory procedures for league operations in general, and Phu Tho FC’s matches in particular. It also requested that the VFF propose measures to prevent similar violations in the future.

The VFF is required to submit its report to the VSA by May 8, 2025.

A representative from the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Phu Tho Province affirmed that there would be no tolerance or concealment of any wrongdoing. “If any organization or individual is found to have manipulated match results, they will be dealt with strictly,” the official stated.

Earlier, the VFF confirmed receiving notice from FIFA regarding the disciplinary action against Phu Tho FC for match-fixing, the result of a lengthy investigation conducted jointly by FIFA and the VFF.

This marks the first time FIFA has directly imposed relegation on a Vietnamese football club without relying on a domestic disciplinary ruling.

The VFF has pledged to continue working with FIFA and law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the case. It also vowed to crack down on corruption in Vietnamese football and strengthen oversight across all domestic competitions.

Following the FIFA ruling, Phu Tho FC’s match against Hanoi Youth Club, scheduled for May 3, was canceled. All of Phu Tho FC’s results from the 2024/25 Second Division season have been voided. Additionally, the VFF has officially suspended the club’s participation in the ongoing season.

Dai Nam