HOT: VFF finalizes the number of naturalized players in the Vietnam national team?

There is information suggesting that the Vietnam Football Federation will set a limit on the number of naturalized players in the Vietnam national team.

Recently, numerous reports have emerged stating that the Vietnam Football Federation has imposed a restriction on the number of naturalized players without Vietnamese ancestry in the Vietnam national team, with a maximum limit of three individuals. Accordingly, players in this category wishing to be called up must meet three crucial criteria: outstanding professional skills, demonstrated affection and a desire for long-term commitment to Vietnam, and support from the fans.

At present, the Vietnam national team possesses two such naturalized players: Nguyen Xuan Son (Rafaelson) and Do Hoang Hen (Hendrio). Both have showcased their professional capabilities as well as a spirit of dedication while wearing the national team jersey. Not only have they contributed positively in terms of skill, but they have also gained significant goodwill from fans due to their efforts and professional attitude in competition.

If the assumption about the quantity limit is accurate, the Vietnam national team would only have one spot remaining for naturalized players without Vietnamese roots. This makes the competition more noteworthy than ever, as a series of names performing outstandingly in the V-League such as Do Phi Long (SHB Da Nang), Geovane (Ninh Binh FC), Janclecio (HAGL), Michael Olaha (SLNA), Rimario (Thanh Hoa)...

Nevertheless, according to inquiries, up to now there has been no official confirmation from VFF regarding the implementation of the aforementioned limit. In fact, the Vietnam Football Federation has never announced or mentioned a specific regulation concerning the number of naturalized players.

Additionally, the number of players fully meeting the naturalization criteria according to regulations – including continuous residence in Vietnam for at least five years, still being within the peak playing age range, having a desire to contribute, and possessing good professional skills – is actually not very large.

This somewhat indicates that selecting naturalized personnel for the national team remains a matter requiring careful consideration, rather than relying on a rigid numerical limit. However, if such a regulation truly exists, the center-back position is likely to be the next area supplemented with naturalization for the Vietnam national team, as the two previous names, Xuan Son and Hoang Hen, are both attacking players.

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