OFFICIAL: FIFA lifts two penalties for Vietnam's 'most unfortunate' football team.

Thanh Hoa Club has had two penalties lifted by FIFA, but still has two bans to resolve before they can add players.

Thanh Hoa Club has made a significant step in removing FIFA penalties related to financial obligations. On March 14th, FIFA's data system recorded that the Thanh region team had two bans on registering new players lifted after completing payments for two outstanding salary cases.

However, Thanh Hoa still cannot register additional players because two other bans remain unresolved. These bans stem from previous financial disputes, forcing the club to complete obligations with relevant parties before being allowed to strengthen the squad.

Nevertheless, the Thanh region team still has two complaints pending. One ban is effective from January 14, 2026, while the other is valid from December 12, 2025 and lasts for three consecutive transfer periods. These are the final barriers preventing Thanh Hoa from registering players.

Time is running out for the club as March 17th is the deadline for player registration in the Vietnamese football mid-season transfer window. If procedures are not completed promptly, Thanh Hoa will have to compete with a squad of only about 19 players, including three goalkeepers.

Previously, despite facing many squad difficulties, Thanh Hoa maintained relatively stable results thanks to their unwavering competitive spirit. In some matches, the Thanh region team had only 5-6 substitute players, and even had to field a goalkeeper as a forward due to exhausted players needing replacement.

Coach Mai Xuan Hop stated that the team has prepared personnel plans but cannot complete registration due to the penalties. He shared: “We had prepared new personnel plans beforehand. However, the team is hindered by penalties and cannot register players yet. According to the latest information from club leadership, the Vietnam Football Federation has received the documents and will send them to FIFA for intervention, hoping that within one or two days the team can register additional players.” This coach also thanked the VFF for assisting in completing procedures so the club can soon strengthen its squad.

With VFF stepping in, Thanh Hoa is about to receive very positive news from FIFA.

Teammate Xuan Son praised the spirit of Thanh Hoa Club.