Brian Jeffrey
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has decided to boost the V-League by allowing more overseas Vietnamese players to join the teams. This move is expected to bring a new dynamic to Vietnamese football with a more diverse pool of talents.
Starting from the 2024/25 season, V-League clubs can now have two overseas Vietnamese players in their roster, twice the previous limit. This adjustment opens up the opportunity for up to 28 Vietnamese-origin players without Vietnamese citizenship to participate in the league.
This change doesn’t just apply to men’s football but also includes futsal and the national women’s championship, aiming to have a widespread impact on Vietnamese football. The objective is to elevate the quality of domestic leagues and expand the selection of skilled players available for the national team.
In recent times, the V-League has seen an increase in talented players like Dang Van Lam and Nguyen Filip, who have made valuable contributions to both their clubs and the national team. These players, with experience from stronger football systems abroad, bring expertise and capabilities that elevate the league as a whole.
The transition for these players has been seamless, with many adapting well to the Vietnamese football environment and culture, making them eligible for citizenship and national team consideration. This approach has proven successful, as seen with players like Dang Van Lam being part of the national team.
Former coach Philippe Troussier has noted the potential of overseas Vietnamese talent, citing examples from nearby countries like Indonesia and the Philippines that have successfully integrated their diaspora to strengthen their national teams.
However, incorporating overseas players comes with its challenges. For instance, Ho Huu Hung, despite a promising start in European football, didn’t secure a spot in the Vietnam U19 team. Similarly, players like Martin Lo and Tony Le have faced hurdles in making a significant impact in Vietnamese football despite their potential.
Nevertheless, the VFF is dedicated to leveraging the Vietnamese diaspora as a valuable asset. An official from the VFF expressed their readiness to welcome overseas Vietnamese players to contribute to Vietnamese football and raised the federation’s commitment to enhancing the national football standards.
This adjustment has been well-received by both teams and players, reflecting a positive change that could lead to significant benefits for the Vietnamese national team through an expanded pool of talents in the future.
