Khanh Hoa football needs joint support from businesses

In response to the potential withdrawal of Khanh Hoa football team from the National First Division, the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism recently held a meeting some relevant units. At the meeting, the department called on businesses to provide the team with a support of about VND20 billion so that they can continue to play at the division.

After Khanh Hoa's main sponsor, Khatoco (Khanh Viet Corporation) sent a document to Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee requesting a directive to cease the team’s operation, Khanh Hoa football team has faced a lack of funding for the National First Division 2025-2026 season. In response, provincial authorities have intervened and are considering two options. The first option is calling for businesses’ contribution of about VND20 billion through Khanh Hoa Football Development Fund to keep Khanh Hoa staying at the first division. In option 2, Khanh Hoa withdraw from the upcoming season and will join the third division to maintain local football movement.

Khatoco Khanh Hoa players (left) in a match in the 2024-2025 National First Division (Source: PVF)

As for option 1, it's not easy to call for financial support from businesses in the current volatile and challenging economic climate. Domestic professional clubs have primarily depended on financial sponsorship from large corporations or real estate companies, etc. to stay afloat. However, Khanh Hoa football team have had only two sponsors, which are Khanh Hoa State-owned Salangane Nest One Member Company Limited and Khanh Viet Corporation. With these sponsors now facing difficulties or unable to continue their support, the team truly needs the joint effort of the businesses’ community.

According to a proposal from the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Khanh Hoa Povince has many potential businesses, which can provide support of VND2 to VND3 billion each. For example, Khanh Hoa State-owned Salangane Nest One Member Company Limited and Khanh Viet Corporation (depending on their circumstance and regulations), Khanh Hoa Lottery One Member Company Limited, Vingroup, Sun Group, VCN Investment Joint Stock Company, and other businesses in the southern area of the province can provide support through the form of public contribution. Through Khanh Hoa Football Development Fund, contribution from businesses will be used to maintain Khanh Hoa professional football team in the first division and develop movement football in the province. In fact, Khanh Hoa Football Development Fund (launched in 2023) partly resolved the difficulties of Khanh Hoa football team in the 2023-2024 season, helping the team to continue to maintain its operation.

In option 2, Khanh Hoa don’t play in the first division and will play in at a lower level, specifically the third division. This would allow the team to maintain its momentum using existing resources, such as young players and state funding. However, it will be difficult to promote the team from the third division to the first division as it is now, and even more difficult to promote to V.League 1.

Reportedly, most businesses, departments and sectors in the province are in favor of option 1. There is a strong hope that provincial leadership, provincial departments and sectors and business community will soon take action and cooperation to keep the Khanh Hoa football team staying in the first division.

AN NHIEN
Translated by H.N