Vietnam Football Federation's chairman Nguyen Trong Hy talked about the VFF's coming congress and his plans to resign from his current post.
VFF's chairman Nguyen Trong Hy
VFF congresses have always attracted a lot of attention from the public. Have the names of VFF's nominated leaders been prepared?
The congress will open in June 5 so we are very busy with a huge workload. The most important task is deciding the VFF's leadership. According to the rules of Vietnam and FIFA, we've sent notification to our executive board and 77 member organisations and we are awaiting their nomination list.
Upon FIFA's request four years ago, we cut down the number of executive board members from 39 to 23. However, according to FIFA, the number should be further reduced to between 19 and 21 members so we may have to continue to reduce the number.
Doan Nguyen Duc, the owner of Hoang Anh Gia Lai Football Club, Vietnam Professional Football JSC (VPF) chairman Vo Quoc Thang, VPF deputy chairmen Le Hung Dung and Pham Van Tuan have been named publically as potential nominees. Who do you think is the most suitable as VFF's chairman?
I will resign but I won't make a nomination right now. The choosing of a chairman needs to follow proper procedures.
The nomination list must gain a majority approval from the executive board and member organisations. Those who have the most votes will adopt the highest role. The voting will also be monitored by FIFA.
From one to ten, how do you assess yourself during your two terms in the office?
Self-assessment is hard but I think I'm a hardworking person. Before resigning, I managed to ask the government to invest VND8 billion (USD390,000) to train young players in 2013 and this investment may increase year after year. VFF's current assets are proof of our contribution.
I also obtained FIFA funding of USD500,000 to train 100 new U15 players for two years and if 35 graduates meet FIFA standards, they will provide funding for the training course.
My terms were highlighted by Vietnam’s 2008 AFF Cup victory.
Do you regret resigning at a point when Vietnamese football is in crisis?
In 2011, though I warned about the 'hot' development of domestic football, after two years, I still can't believe that it is in such mess.
Some nouveau riche and real estate speculators, who decided to invest in football, have dragged Vietnam football down with them as their fortunes fell.
I sent documents to localities authorities to ask them to re-assess Vietnam’s football environment. It needs integrated management between the government and enterprises.
There are rumours that you could be appointed CEO at a football club?
I have never accepted such invitation and I won't work at any football club.
