FIFA, AFC express condolences over Vietnam fatal accident of three football club members

"I extend my deepest condolences to the family and friends of the victims of the road accident involving members of Hoang Anh Gia Lai (HAGL) FC in Vietnam," Infantino wrote on Instagram. "My thoughts and prayers are with the people who lost their lives, those who have been affected by this tragic incident, the Vietnam Football Federation and the staff and players at HAGL FC at this difficult time."

In a letter to the VFF, Al Khalifa expressed his condolences and grief at the passing of assistant coach Duong Minh Ninh, striker Paollo Oliveira and doctor Dao Trong Tri.

"The Asian football family always accompany Vietnamese football during this difficult time," the AFC president wrote.

Hoang Anh Gia Lai's assistant coach Duong Minh Ninh (L), doctor Dao Trong Tri (R, above) and striker Paollo Oliveira died in a traffic accident in Gia Lai Province on August 12, 2023. Photos by HAGL

The three members were traveling in Gia Lai Province, where their club is based, when their car was hit from behind by a truck, which caused the car to lose control, be pushed forward and end up being crushed between that truck and another running from the opposite direction. Their driver was hospitalized with bone fractures.

Right after the tragic accident, VFF president Tran Quoc Tuan called on all coaches, players and Vietnamese football clubs to reach out to the families of the victims and show support. Many V. League clubs, players, coaches and football forums have posted their condolences and sent flowers to the families of the three victims.

VFF then announced a minute of silence for the three members of HAGL in matches in V. League, National Cup and youth tournaments.

On Sunday and Monday, the memorial service for Paollo Oliveira took place before the match of SC Farense against Casa Pia and Estrela Amadora against Vitoria SC in the first round of the Primeira Liga. Oliveira used to play for SC Farense and Estrela Amadora.

Oliveira, assistant coach Minh and doctor Tri died on Saturday after their car was crushed between two trucks.

Minh, 48, has been with HAGL for over 20 years, from being a player to an assistant coach.

Tri, 29, is a young doctor at the medical team of HAGL.

Oliveira, 27, has just moved to HAGL after playing for V. League side Hong Linh Ha Tinh last year. He was supposed to return to Portugal with his fiancée to visit his family on the day of the accident.

HAGL will take care of funeral observances for all three members.