Vietnamese football is once again marred by scandal after Phu Tho FC was demoted by FIFA for match-fixing, raising serious concerns about the sport’s integrity in the country.

1. FIFA sanctions Phu Tho FC for match-fixing

FIFA has officially relegated Phu Tho FC to Vietnam’s Third Division due to match-fixing violations, a move that once again tarnishes the image of Vietnamese football on the international stage.

The decision followed a thorough investigation, likely tied to the 2023/24 V.League 2 season, when the club was relegated after a dismal performance.

That season, the midland club went through three different head coaches and managed just one win, three draws, and 16 losses. They scored only six goals while conceding 43.

2. A troubling history of scandals in Vietnamese football

Phu Tho FC’s demotion is, regrettably, not the first time Vietnamese football has faced disciplinary action from FIFA. The sport in Vietnam has witnessed several similar scandals that have eroded public trust in domestic competitions.

Aside from cases rooted in contractual disputes or regulatory misinterpretations like those involving Thanh Hoa or HAGL, more damaging are the numerous incidents of corruption, many involving clubs like Ninh Binh, Dong Nai, and Vung Tau. Some cases even escalated to legal proceedings.

Given this history, it’s no surprise that the latest scandal involving Phu Tho FC hasn’t shocked many fans.

3. Repeated lessons, but the problem persists

With so many precedents, it begs the question: why hasn’t Vietnamese football been able to rid itself of these issues?

The answer may lie in the sport’s weak control mechanisms, lax supervision, and lenient punishments. While FIFA hands out firm penalties without hesitation, domestic authorities often issue mere warnings or choose a more forgiving approach rather than uprooting the issue entirely.

This isn’t to say that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is indifferent, but its efforts often lack the severity required to truly deter misconduct. A more uncompromising stance against individuals, clubs, and actions tied to match-fixing remains absent.

It’s likely time for stronger, more decisive actions from the VFF and relevant authorities to eliminate corruption once and for all. Only then can Vietnamese football mature, improve, and shed the scandals that repeatedly drag it down - like the one just involving Phu Tho FC.

Duy Nguyen