Tran Tien
Football Tribe Vietnam
V. League champions Hanoi FC could be kicked out of AFC competitions in the 2020 season after they failed to register the youth team in domestic leagues.
AFC’s Club Licensing regulations clearly state under ‘Sporting Criteria’ that the club applying for the license “must have at least two youth teams within the age range of U15 and U18” in order to be eligible to acquire the license to play in continental cups, in order to encourage youth development.
It was made clear during a meeting for Vietnamese clubs attending next season’s Asian competitions that Hanoi will not be eligible to represent Vietnam in any continental championship as their U-15 side did not take part in the 2019 edition of the National U-15 Tournament.
According to a report in Vietnamese news outlet bongdaplus, Hanoi will have the slim chance to reclaim their berth in AFC competitions next year if they persuade the AFC delegation in the hearing that will take place next month.
If Hanoi can not play in the AFC competitions next year, V.League 2019 runners-up Ho Chi Minh City will take their spot.