In a surprise move, Quang Nam FC has announced its dissolution and withdrawal from the V-League 2025/26 season, leaving the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) in a difficult position as the league's schedule was just finalized and the season is about to kick off.

VFF and VPF caught off guard

On the afternoon of July 21, Quang Nam FC's management unexpectedly announced the club will not participate in the 2025/26 V-League and will instead merge with SHB Da Nang FC. With Quang Nam's withdrawal, the upcoming season now has only 13 teams.

Representatives from the VFF and VPF confirmed they had not received any official documents from Quang Nam FC. However, VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu stated that the federation already has contingency plans in place to address the club's sudden exit.

VPF recently held the draw for the V-League 2025/26 schedule just days ago. While several VPF executives are currently on business trips abroad, they are aware of the situation and plan to hold an emergency meeting.

“As of the afternoon of July 21, we have not received an official notice from Quang Nam FC. Nevertheless, VPF will consult with the VFF to determine an appropriate response,” a VPF representative said.

The 2025/26 season is scheduled to kick off on August 9 with the Super Cup match between Thep Xanh Nam Dinh and CAHN. The league itself will start about a week later.

Currently, the VFF and VPF are considering two possible options: proceed with a 13-team V-League or promote Binh Phuoc FC, which finished second in last season’s First Division, to replace Quang Nam. Both options will be discussed and decided upon in the upcoming meeting.

Quang Nam players left uncertain about their future

Before making the decision to suspend operations, Quang Nam FC’s leadership met with the team to deliver the announcement. The players and coaching staff were reportedly shocked by the abrupt news.

Head coach Van Sy Son, currently in Japan pursuing his Pro coaching license, had just helped the team avoid relegation with one match left in the 2024/25 season. He did not anticipate the club would vanish from Vietnam’s football map so suddenly.

Club Executive Director Nguyen Trong stated that all office staff, coaching personnel, first-team players, and youth athletes will transfer to Da Nang as part of the merger with SHB Da Nang FC.

However, uncertainty still looms. One player revealed, “We were told to look for new clubs if we want. Those who stay will be absorbed into SHB Da Nang, and the roster will then be restructured ahead of the new season.”

Dai Nam