Brazilian striker faces the risk of missing the V-League

Leo Artur's red card in the AFC Champions League Two has raised concerns at CAHN about the chance that the penalty might carry over to the V-League ahead of their important game versus Thanh Hóa.

The red card in the continental competition is placing Hanoi Police Football Club (CAHN) on high alert ahead of a key round in the V-League. The sending off of key forward Leo Artur in the AFC Champions League Two not only ended the team's journey in the Asian tournament but also presents a legal challenge that could directly impact their domestic ambitions.

According to the disciplinary regulations of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), red card suspensions are generally retained within AFC-managed competitions. This means, theoretically, Leo Artur would only serve his suspension in upcoming continental matches. Domestic leagues like the V-League are not automatically affected by such sanctions.

However, the situation is more complex. Clause 6, Article 11 of the Vietnam Professional Football Regulations grants the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) the authority to apply international disciplinary sanctions to domestic professional leagues if deemed necessary. This clause prevents CAHN from being complacent, as there remains a legal risk of an additional suspension in the V-League.

The club's caution is justified, especially given their past costly administrative mistakes. Previously, CAHN was handed a 0-3 loss by the AFC for fielding an ineligible player, a decision seen as a turning point that led to their early exit from the continental competition. This lesson has forced the management to tighten all eligibility verification procedures.

In this context, the match against Thanh Hóa on February 24 carries special significance. CAHN plans to work directly with the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) to verify Leo Artur's legal status before finalizing the registration list. Only after receiving clear written confirmation will the team make the final decision.

Leo Artur is currently a central figure in CAHN’s attacking system. If no additional disciplinary action is imposed, he will remain a strategic option during the critical closing phase of the V-League. Conversely, if a suspension is enforced, CAHN’s ambitions to keep pace could be significantly impacted as the competition reaches its most intense stage.