Leaders of the Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) has confirmed that the arrest of its vice chairman, Nguyen Duc Kien, did not have any relation to the company and would have no impact of its operation.

Kien is the owner of a top-flight V-League club and one competing in the First Division 

In a press conference yesterday, general director of the VPF, Pham Ngoc Vien said that the arrest of its vice chairman Nguyen Duc Kien had shocked everyone but would not affect the operation of the company.

Vien also confirmed that it was a private issue related to Kien alone and would have no impact on their television right contract valued at VND 50 billion (USD2.39 million) for the 2012 season because the money had been contributed by the sponsorship council.

“At present, VPF are continuing to prepare for semi-final matches in the National Cup at Vinh and Hang Day Stadiums,” he said. “The work which was previously done by vice chairman Nguyen Duc Kien has been transferred to other members of the management board.”

Meanwhile, the arrest of the owner of two clubs, CLBBD Hanoi (Hanoi Soccer Club) and Tre Hanoi (Hanoi Juniors), has worried players who have yet to receive their salaries and bonuses for the second half of the month. There are now more than 60 people working for the two clubs and they are waiting for news so that they can decide their future.

Nguyen Duc Kien became a leading light in local football scene in the early 2000s. His popularity increased through his campaign to establish the VPF. The 48 year-old tycoo is also the owner of a top-flight V-League club and one competing in the First Division.