The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has entered into a price war with My Dinh Stadium owners to ensure the go ahead of a friendly match between Arsenal and Vietnam on July 17.

My Dinh Stadium owners asked for higher fees

The stadium owners had originally only asked for VND1 billion (USD48,000), which was the highest charge the stadium had yet made.

According to VFF, inviting Arsenal along with other expenditures such as hotels and security fees, it would cost them at least VND40 billion. One of the organisers said even if the 40,000-seat stadium was full to capacity they would probably be able to recoup the investment, let alone make a profit.

However, the owners of My Dinh Stadium suddenly decided to hike their rental price up to VND1.5 billion and asked for 300 tickets.

VFF asked for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to intervene, claiming the match would give the national team unprecedented experience.

An organiser said they would have to cancel the match based on the high stadium rental fee and would compensate Arsenal FC. However, the cancellation will worsen Vietnam's reputation with other football clubs.

In 2012, owners of the stadium also shocked the organisers by raising fees for a friendly between Indonesia and Vietnam from VND80 million to VND300 million. The fee was only lowered to VND200 million under public pressure.

Can Van Nghia, Director of My Dinh Stadium said they had always incurred losses and the Arsenal match required more preparations than normal. Nghia said since VFF will earn billions of dong in ticket sales, not to mention advertising revenues, they could afford it.

"We must be financially ensured for this match. We aren't subsidised anymore so we need the money for the stadium’s renovation and wages." he said.

Rumours said organisers offered a fee of VND600 million for the training session and the official match. VFF will work with the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and My Dinh Stadium owners on June 17 to find a solution.