Vietnam football body says no to mass player naturalization amid regional trend

The statement was made during a meeting in Hanoi with more than 150 sports journalists to mark Vietnam Revolutionary Press Day on June 21.

VFF president Tran Quoc Tuan, vice-president Tran Anh Tu, and general secretary Nguyen Van Phu were among those in attendance.

Tuan said Vietnam’s men’s and women’s national teams from U16 to U23 levels are being prepared for training camps in Japan and several European countries as part of broader efforts to improve the country’s football performance.

“Investment in and careful preparation for youth teams are key to building a strong foundation for the future of Vietnamese football,” Tuan said.

“Alongside success, we are also aware of growing challenges that require systematic, professional investment and management.”

In response to questions about the trend of national teams in Southeast Asia — such as Malaysia and Indonesia — relying heavily on naturalized players, Tuan said the VFF had anticipated such developments.

“Naturalization can help strengthen a national team in the short term, but it may weaken the domestic league and youth development systems while diluting national identity,” he said.

“Football requires patience.

“The VFF remains committed to building from within and developing both the national team and professional clubs sustainably.”

Vietnam are scheduled to face Nepal on October 9 at home and again on October 14 away in the next two matches of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers.