The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has recently approved a proposal to change the promotion/relegation rates at National Professional Football Tournaments, to ensure the reasonableness and suitability with the actual developments of the new season.
According to the announcement, in V.League 2025-2026, the number of relegation spots will be adjusted to 1.5 spots. This means that the bottom team will have to be relegated directly, while the bottom team will participate in the play-off for relegation with a representative from the National First Division.
Meanwhile, in the 2025-2026 National First Division, the number of teams promoted to V.League is also 1.5 places, corresponding to a straight place and a place to participate in the play-off.
However, to be promoted, the club must fully meet the professional licensing criteria according to VFF and VPF regulations, especially in terms of finance, facilities, youth training system and personnel management.
In addition, the National First Division will also have 1 direct relegation spot.
To maintain a reasonable scale for the First Division next season, the 2026 National Second Division will increase to 3 promotions, creating more opportunities for potential teams in the lower division to rise to the professional playground.
Previously, at the 8th VFF Executive Committee Conference last March, the initial plan approved was 2 promotion packages and 2 relegation packages, to increase competitiveness in both of the highest divisions.
However, Hoa Binh club suddenly withdrew from the National First Division right before the new season, causing the participating team structure to change. This forces VFF and VPF to consider and adjust the promotion/relegation plan to suit the actual situation.
