Tuan Anh uses invalid shirt number: Nam Dinh Club, VPF, VFF ignore regulations

In round 14 of V.League 2023/24 last weekend, midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh played with an invalid shirt number. This was a mistake by Nam Dinh club as well as VPF, VFF in the player registration process for phase II of V.League 2023/24 season.

Specifically, the team from Thanh Nam sent a list of registered players to the tournament organizers. The legal department of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) then also approved this registration and confirmed the eligibility of the players, including Nguyen Tuan Anh.

However, a provision in the Professional Football Regulations (amended and supplemented in 2023) was overlooked by all parties in the above process.

" Each team can only register player shirt numbers from 1 to 99 when registering the competition list. New players added or replaced in phase II must wear shirt numbers different from those registered in phase I ," the regulations state.

Tuan Anh (left) wearing the wrong number. (Photo: Nam Dinh Club)

In V.League 2023/24, Nam Dinh Club registered number 11 for Douglas Coutinho. When the Brazilian player left, the Southern team gave this shirt number to Nguyen Tuan Anh - who just joined the club from HAGL after the end of the first leg.

However, this mistake does not affect Tuan Anh's player status in the match between Hanoi FC and Nam Dinh on the evening of March 31. Tuan Anh is a valid player, eligible to play for Nam Dinh Club. After discovering the mistake, Nam Dinh Club, VPF, and VFF will make adjustments to comply with the regulations. Tuan Anh is not allowed to use the number 11 shirt and must change to another number.

The match between Hanoi FC and Nam Dinh on March 31 was the debut of midfielder Nguyen Tuan Anh for his new team. He entered the field in the second half. He played well, helping the away team win. Tuan Anh is an additional contract of Nam Dinh in the middle of the season. He will play until the end of the season on loan.

In the match at Hang Day Stadium, coach Vu Hong Viet's team opened the scoring thanks to Rafaelson. Nguyen Van Quyet equalized early in the second half. In extra time, Lucas Alves scored the decisive goal, helping the away team win 2-1.

With this victory, Nam Dinh FC consolidated its top position with 32 points. They are 6 points ahead of Binh Duong FC - the team of coach Le Huynh Duc who lost 0-2 to Ha Tinh.

In the next round, Nam Dinh FC will play Quy Nhon Binh Dinh FC at home. If they win, the home team at Thien Truong Stadium will move one step closer to their second V.League championship in history. The last time Nam Dinh won the championship was in 1985.

Hoai Duong

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