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The letter in the names of 24 players and coaching staff was sent to Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, the Vietnam Football Federation, Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation, Vietnam Professional Football JSC and Ho Chi Minh City Football JSC.
According to the letter, in the 2023 season, the club delayed some payments in the first half of the season and owed 50% of the payment in the second half. For the undercover fee for the new season, after the players and coaching staff spoke up, the club was able to pay 25% of the fee on Nov. 15.
HCMC also owes bonuses for two consecutive seasons. The amount in the 2022 season is VND4 billion and another VND3 billion in bonuses for successfully escaping relegation, while in the 2023 season, the amount owed is VND2.5 billion.
The club is also late in paying monthly salaries as committed, sometimes by up to two months late.
"The club's delay in paying salaries has affected the lives of many individuals. Some team members often have to borrow money to support their families," the letter wrote.
Other expenses such as the cost of buying football boots and goalkeeper gloves have not been paid by the club. Meals for players and coaching staff members are often insufficient in both quantity and quality, affecting the training and competition process.
Both the players and coaching staff have found it difficult to meet directly or contact club leaders to find a solution.
"We are very frustrated and upset because the club are in persistent debt and currently have no head coach even though the season is about to resume," one player told VnExpress.
HCMC recently parted ways with head coach Vu Tien Thanh because of irreconcilable differences. Assistants Luong Trung Tuan and Le Quang Trai also left.
The club are said to have contacted coach Mano Polking, who has just left the Thailand national team, but he reportedly did not accept an offer. One of the three remaining assistant coaches is currently likely to become the next head coach.
