Football club penalized for forfeiting women's league match

The club was awarded a 0-3 loss and a fine of VND50 million ($2,150). Head coach Nguyen The Cuong was banned from Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) activities for the next five years and fined VND5 million. As the head coach of the club, Cuong was held responsible for letting players forfeit the game, hence the heavy punishment.

Team captain Tran Thi Hong Nhung was suspended for the rest of the first phase of the national women’s league while other players got a warning.

The penalties were awarded by VFF’s Disciplinary Department after a Wednesday meeting.

Phong Phu Ha Nam has employed Pham Van Hai as replacement head coach according to Ha Nam Province’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism requirements.

In the 89th minute of the match between Ha Nam and HCMC I on Tuesday, with the score at 1-1, the referee awarded HCMC a penalty after one of its players was fouled inside the box. However, Ha Nam players disputed the decision and, after failing to get it overturned, sat down on the pitch in protest. Coach Cuong, who failed to respond, left the field shortly after.

Organizers spent 30 minutes failing to convince the players to finish the game, leaving the referee little choice but to blow the final whistle.