Why did Hoa Binh FC leave the First Division?

TPO - Hoa Binh FC has just announced that it will not participate in the 2025/26 First Division due to force majeure reasons.

Specifically, according to the document sent by Hoa Binh to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), from July 1, 2025, after the merger of the province, in terms of administrative boundaries, the football team will operate in Phu Tho province. The club has proposed that the province change its name to Phu Tho Football Club but has not completed the procedure.

In preparation for the National First Division and National Cup, the team has regrouped. However, recently, some unforeseen factors have affected the above plan.

Firstly, the club does not represent Phu Tho province in participating in the above two tournaments but actively operates according to the Enterprise Law. The locality also does not organize a local organizing committee to organize the team's matches, at the same time the club is required to hand over related facilities such as the stadium, training ground, and accommodation area.

For the above reasons, Hoa Binh FC requests not to participate in the 2025/26 National First Division and the 2025/26 National Cup, and at the same time requests VFF and VPF to guide the necessary procedures.

Speaking to Tien Phong, a VPF representative said that with Hoa Binh FC's suspension, the First Division will have 12 teams left. The organizers will have to re-draw lots. The V-League and the First Division may have only 1.5 promotion/relegation slots instead of 2 as originally planned.

According to the original plan, the 2025/26 First Division will start on September 19.

Source: https://tienphong.vn/vi-sao-hoa-binh-fc-bo-giai-hang-nhat-post1776476.tpo