Khanh Hoa prepares for new football season

Khanh Hoa FC has just received sponsorship approval from Khanh Viet Corporation (Khatoco) to play in the 2024-2025 National First League.

In less than a week, Khanh Hoa football lovers have experienced a rollercoaster of emotions. Khanh Hoa Sport Football Joint Stock Company, the management unit of Khanh Hoa FC has sent a document to Vietnam Football Federation and the organization committees of Vietnam’s professional football leagues regarding their participation in the National First League for the 2024-2025 season. FIFA has lifted the transfer ban on Khanh Hoa FC after the club resolved the lawsuit with foreign player Mamadou Guissary and settled the outstanding salary debts of the previous season.

Khanh Hoa FC will play in the 2024-2025 National First League

Over the past five years, Khanh Hoa football has faced several financial crises, even coming close to withdrawing from the league. However, with the determined and responsible efforts of the province’s leadership, Khanh Hoa’s football can continue its journey in the professional playground. In a recent meeting between the province’s leaders and businesses and organizations concerned, Khatoco agreed to sponsor Khanh Hoa FC in this year's National First League. The parties are currently working on the necessary procedures so that Khanh Hoa FC can participate in the tournament on time.

In the 2023-2024 season of V.League 1, Khanh Hoa FC only managed to earn 11 points after 26 matches with 2 wins, 5 draws, and 19 losses, finishing at the bottom of the standings and being relegated to the National First League. After the season ended, many Khanh Hoa FC players reached the end of their contracts and sought new opportunities. Reportedly, Khanh Hoa FC currently has only 8 young players (under 25 years old) who were promoted during the 2023-2024 season. Some players have already signed with other teams; others are considering leaving if their contracts are not renewed. The new management unit will carry out the arrangement for the upcoming season. 

Khanh Hoa FC playing home match against Hanoi in the 2023-2024 season

Given the current situation, the province’s sports sector has developed a plan for the province’s football, which includes participating in the National First League and establishing a football team to compete in the Third League. According to this plan, Khanh Hoa FC will participate in the First League with funding from the sponsor and support from Khanh Hoa Football Development Fund (calling for contribution from businesses). The Provincial Department of Culture and Sports has proposed that the Provincial People's Committee allow the establishment of a provincial football team to participate in the National Third League, with the main players being those from U21 Khanh Hoa. This will serve as a source of players for Khanh Hoa FC in the professional leagues and help ensure the outcome of local youth training. 

Up to now, the 2024-2025 National First League expects the participation of 10 teams including Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Dong Nai, Dong Thap, Hoa Binh, Hue, Khanh Hoa, Phu Dong Ninh Binh, PVF People's Public Security, Thanh Nien Ho Chi Minh City, Truong Tuoi Binh Phuoc. The tournament is a two-legged format (home and away). The first-placed team wins the championship and is promoted to V.League 1; the bottom-placed is relegated to the Second League. The 2024-2025 National First League is expected to kick off in October 2024 and ends in May 2025.

An Nhien
Translated by H.N