V-League receives important notice regarding doping and stimulants

VPF Company indicates it consistently carries out operations to combat prohibited substances and drugs

For the 2025/26 season, VPF Company continues its collaboration with the Institute of Forensic Science – Ministry of Public Security in inspecting and monitoring the use of banned substances by players during training and competition. This is a specialized cooperation program implemented by both parties since the 2021 season, temporarily suspended due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, and restarted from the 2024/25 season.

The inspection of banned substances and stimulants is conducted under strict procedures, adhering to the list of prohibited substances as regulated by authorities and in line with general principles of anti-doping in sports. The sampling process ensures confidentiality, objectivity, and proper technical protocols, including sealing, coding samples, and analysis at qualified professional laboratories.

Currently, banned substance testing for players is implemented in two forms:

• Scheduled periodic inspections:Conducted based on a monitoring plan established at the start of the season, featuring a random nature to ensure surprise and general prevention.
• Targeted specific inspections:Applied when information, data, or unusual signs arise that have been verified and assessed by the inspection team as having sufficient grounds for suspicion. This method enhances effectiveness by focusing on high-risk cases.

The simultaneous application of both inspection methods not only increases deterrence but also aligns with risk management practices in anti-doping within professional football leagues.

According to the representative of the banned substance inspection team for the 2025/26 season, since the resumption of continuous inspections throughout the 2024/25 season, no positive cases for substances on the prohibited list have been recorded. This is a positive outcome, reflecting a clear shift in awareness and compliance with legal and professional regulations among players, coaching staff, and club members.

Alongside inspection activities, efforts in propaganda and dissemination of knowledge about banned substance groups, risks from supplements of unclear origin, and medications with restricted ingredients are also emphasized. Enhancing understanding helps players proactively prevent violations due to lack of information, while fostering a culture of honest and professional competition.

In the 2024/25 season, inspections for banned substances and stimulants were conducted continuously from the start for teams participating in the national championship. Moving into the 2025/26 season, the inspection plan continues with random sampling rounds, combined with risk assessments at each stage of the season.

Maintaining a regular inspection mechanism, combining proactive monitoring and surprise checks, contributes to enhancing the effectiveness of preventing banned substance use, protecting athletes' health, and reinforcing fans' trust in the fairness and integrity of national professional football tournaments.

VPF confirms Tien Linh did not score an own goal

VPF issues important announcement ahead of the National First Division opening day