7 V.League clubs Nam Dinh Steel Blue, Hanoi, The Cong Viettel, Hanoi Police, Hai Phong and SHB Da Nang have sent an official dispatch to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) proposing to increase the number of foreign players used on the field at the same time from 3 to 4 people.
The simultaneous move from the teams shows that the trend of increasing the quality of the squad with foreign players is becoming a practical requirement. According to the teams' arguments, increasing the number of foreign players not only helps to make the most of player resources but is also a solution to improve the quality of expertise and appeal for matches in the V.League.
Last season, defending champion Nam Dinh - one of the teams that invested heavily in the force - signed contracts with 7-8 foreign players. However, they are only allowed to register a maximum of 5 players in the squad and can only use 3 players on the field at the same time in the V.League.
As a result, many players are almost just out, or playing in the Asian tournament - AFC Champions League Two. Not being able to compete regularly affects the performance and cohesion of foreign players, leading to a situation where the team plays well in the domestic league but plays disjointedly in the continental playground.
According to the representatives of the teams, if 4 foreign players are used on the field at the same time, the coach will have more tactical options, while avoiding the situation where players have to " sit and play water" every month and only play a few matches in regional arenas.
More importantly, maintaining the continuous performance of the main foreign players will also help Vietnamese clubs prepare better when entering the international arena - where the quality of competition is significantly higher than the V.League.
However, not all opinions fully support the proposal to increase the quota of foreign players.
Mr. Cao Hoang Duc - Executive Director of Dong A Thanh Hoa Club said that playing with 3 or 4 foreign players is not a big deal if the team has prepared carefully.
"Thanh Hoa Club has prepared to sign contracts with 4 quality foreign players, with the task of carrying the team's expertise. Therefore, playing with 3 or 4 foreign players on the field is not really a big deal for us. Depending on the tournament regulations, coaches must make their own professional decisions.
I also do not think that adding a foreign player will make the tournament more attractive or domestic players will lose their opportunities. Competition is also important. However, if the teams cannot find quality foreign players, the risk is much greater," said Mr. Duc.
Currently, according to VPF's draft charter for the 2025-2026 season, clubs are allowed to register 4 foreign players, but are only allowed to use a maximum of 3 players on the field at the same time.
For teams participating in the Asian Cup, the number of foreign players on the list can be up to 7, but only 3 people can be used at the same time in the V.League.
This is an issue that makes some teams confused in management, because they are forced to choose priority - either playing consistently in the V.League, or focusing on the international arena.
In the context of Vietnamese football moving towards international integration, opening the door for foreign players is necessary. However, in addition to quantity, quality factors and personnel control also need to be given top priority to avoid falling into a state of "abundance" without efficiency, especially creating opportunities for domestic players and young players.
