Brian Jeffrey
The Vietnam Football Federation’s (VFF) recent decision to increase the number of Vietnamese overseas players allowed in the V-League signifies a strategic move to elevate the league’s standards and bolster the national team’s performance.
Following a recent VFF Executive Committee meeting, each V-League club is now permitted to feature up to two Vietnamese overseas players, doubling the previous limit. This adjustment is anticipated to inject vigor into the league, addressing stagnation in skill levels and competition dynamics.
The influence of Vietnamese overseas players on the league has already been noticeable. One example is Patrick Le Giang’s standout displays with HCM City FC, contributing significantly to the team’s unexpected top-four finish in the V-League 2023/24 season, defying earlier relegation predictions.
The arrival of overseas players not only intensifies competition within the league but also enriches the national team talent pool. This strategic maneuver tackles the challenge Vietnamese football faces in maintaining competitiveness against nations like Indonesia and the Philippines, which have benefited from lenient naturalization policies.
While the expansion of the quota for Vietnamese overseas players is poised to deliver numerous advantages to the V-League and Vietnamese football in general, it also sparks concerns about potential long-term ramifications.
With a larger number of overseas players occupying team slots, young homegrown talents could encounter greater difficulty in securing playing time. Many locally trained young players from domestic clubs and academies already struggle to earn opportunities, a situation that could be exacerbated by this new directive.
For instance, the recently promoted Young HCM City squad continues to heavily rely on seasoned naturalized players like Merlo and Kesley, despite their advanced age. This trend underscores the importance of striking a balance between attracting experienced talent and fostering opportunities for emerging young athletes.
While the quota expansion for Vietnamese overseas players presents a timely and beneficial advancement, nurturing local youth remains critical. The future triumph of Vietnamese football hinges on the development and success of youth programs.
Investing in and nurturing budding talent guarantees a continuous supply of proficient players capable of competing at elite levels. Harmonizing the influx of overseas players with robust youth development initiatives is key to achieving sustainable progress in Vietnamese football.
In essence, broadening the allowance for Vietnamese overseas players in the V-League is a strategic maneuver to enhance league competitiveness and elevate the national team’s outlook. However, it should be paired with continuous endeavors to encourage and cultivate young local talent for enduring success.
