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The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has accepted a proposal by football club chairmen to establish a Vietnam Professional Football Company (VPF).

VFF Vice Chairman Le Hung Dung said the VPF project was feasible

In an interview with DTiNews, Vice Chairman of the VFF Le Hung Dung, said the establishment of the company would mark a turning point in Vietnamese football, helping reduce shortcomings in the organisation of the top-flight V-League.

Is it pressure from the clubs that has led to the VFF approving the establishment of the company?

As leader of the VFF, I can say now that it was not about the club chairmen, but everything to do with the future of the country’s football. VFF Deputy Chairman Pham Ngoc Vien had proposed reforms previously, but they remained too theoretical.

I think the VPF project recommended by Hanoi ACB Chairman Nguyen Duc Kien and other club chairmen is feasible. I am grateful for their initiative. If the project is implemented quickly, I believe the 2012 V-League season will be successful.

Do you think that the existence of the VPF will reduce the VFF’s influence?

I think that the company will not affect VFF’s role. Indeed, it will help VFF to organise the V-League on a better footing. This also offers favourable conditions for the VFF to focus on finding and developing players for the national squad.

Based on the chairmen’s proposal, The VFF will hold 35.5% of VPF’s charter capital with the remainder held by the 14 V-League clubs. The VFF will have to discuss league issues with the clubs, and no longer have the right to decide things by itself.

Can the establishment of the VPF be considered a breakthrough for Vietnamese football?

If all commitments between VFF and the team chairmen are implemented correctly, the VPF will be a great turning point for domestic football. The company will help to deal with serious problems which have led to public outrage, such as poor refereeing and accusations of bias. The company may face a few teething difficulties, but it sure to make a difference in the long term.

Do you think that the proposed salary of VND30-50 million (USD1,442-USD2,403) per month for a referee will help deal with potential match fixing?

Improving the income of referees is vital, so that they can fully devote themselves to their work. I’m strongly in favour of the proposal.

Referee salaries will be between VND30-50 million a month, depending on their capacity and prestige. I think that the new levels of pay should help mitigate some of the problems.