Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - The head honcho of domestic football has come out againstcalls to cancel the season amid the return of community coronavirustransmission in Vietnam.

Chairmanof the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) Tran Anh Tu saidscrapping the V.League 1 season would harm the national team, sponsors andclubs' finances.

“Thiswill affect the playing opportunity for the players, making it harder tomaintain form and serve the national football team,” he said.

“Therefore,the VPF will only cancel the league in case of force majeure, when there is notime left. At this time, the clubs need to wait patiently, follow the situationof COVID-19 in Vietnam and there will be a decision in the future."

Previously,the four teams at the bottom of the table, namely Quang Nam, Hai Phong, Nam Dinhand Song Lam Nghe An, all submitted proposals to end the league andhand the championship to leaders Sai Gon FC.

However,the idea was rejected by both the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and theVPF, which runs the V.League 1.

“TheVPF has received proposals to end the V.League 1 from Quang Nam, Hai Phong, NamDinh and Song Lam Nghe An. I have reported this issue to VFF Chairman Le KhanhHai”, Tú said.  

“Wealso just finished the meeting on July 28. We appreciate the recommendations ofthe teams, but now is not the time to consider ending the leagueearly,” he added.

After newCOVID-19 cases were confirmed in central Vietnam over the weekend, localfootball was once again suspended on July 26.

Ina related development, Quang Nam FC's playing squad and backroom staffhave self-quarantined because assistant coach Duong Van Tuyen visited DaNang Hospital C in the past few days, which has been linked to many newCOVID-19 infections.

Tuyenhas filled in a health declaration and is now under home quarantine.  

Theplayers and members of the coaching staff who had contact with Tuyen inthe past few days must self-quarantine and fill in health declarations./.