Hà Nội FC and Thể Công Viettel penalized for an unexpected reason

The two capital clubs were sanctioned by the Vietnam Football Federation's Disciplinary Board for the offense of late entry onto the field during round 5 matches.

On October 1, 2025, the Disciplinary Committee of the Vietnam Football Federation issued disciplinary decisions regarding several violations during the round 5 matches of the league, detailed as follows:

– Decision No. 919/QĐ-LĐBĐVN: A fine of 5,000,000 VND (Five million dong) was imposed on Hà Nội FC for entering the field later than the scheduled time, violating the professional football regulations in the match between Hà Nội FC and Đông Á Thanh Hóa on September 26, 2025, in the V-League 2025/26 National Championship.

– Decision No. 920/QĐ-LĐBĐVN: A fine of 5,000,000 VND (Five million dong) was imposed on Thể Công – Viettel FC for their late entry onto the field, breaching professional football regulations in the match against Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh on September 28, 2025, in the V-League 2025/26 National Championship.

According to investigations, Hà Nội FC and Thể Công Viettel were penalized for being late returning to the field after halftime. Consequently, the halftime breaks in the matches Hà Nội vs Thanh Hóa and Thể Công Viettel vs Hà Tĩnh lasted nearly 20 minutes.

In round 6, both Hà Nội FC and Thể Công Viettel will play away games. Hà Nội FC recently secured a 2-0 victory at SHB Đà Nẵng in the earliest match of the round. This marks their second consecutive win, helping them temporarily overcome the slump experienced earlier this season.

Meanwhile, Thể Công Viettel will have a key away match against league leaders Ninh Bình FC. With Ninh Bình FC holding 13 points and Thể Công Viettel 11 points, this clash is expected to be the most anticipated game of the round among domestic football fans. Both teams remain unbeaten after 5 rounds, with Ninh Bình FC, despite being newcomers, showing impressive form by defeating the defending champions Nam Định.

It becomes even more intriguing as this will be the first time Nguyễn Hoàng Đức, the midfield “maestro” of Ninh Bình FC, faces his former club Thể Công Viettel, where he developed from a youth player to a star.