Hoa Phat Ha Noi and Ha Noi ACB were relegated last year after disappointing millions of Hanoian fans with poor performances.

The championship will see 14 teams competing in a round robin. Winners will take home the Sino Cup and VND200 million (US$11,800) in prize money.

Winners and runners-up will be promoted to the premier V-League next year. Third place will have to battle it out with the 12th-ranked team in a play-off match for a place, according to the organising committee.

The two lowest ranking First Division teams will be relegated to the Second Division next year.

Viet Nam Football Federation signed a one-year sponsorship contract with electric cable and facility producer Sino at a press conference in Ha Noi yesterday.

VFF’s General Secretary Tran Quoc Tuan, who is head of the V-League and First Division organising board, said this year’s competition will be tough.

“All First Division teams want a place in the Premiership V-League next year. They’ve been practising their gameplan since last December at friendly tournaments,” Tuan said.

“Most of them are sponsored by businesses and they will compete for a better trademark of their owners.”

Vinakansai Ninh Binh signed a record $200,000 transfer deal with Russian goalkeeper Lytovka Mykola. Mykola played for V-League’s Cong Thanh Cement Thanh Hoa last year.

The Ninh Binh-based team will meet newcomers Quang Ninh Coal in an away game on February 6.

Huda Hue city will host Quang Nam. Quang Ngai will play neighbours Binh Dinh.

Tay Ninh will clash with Dong Nai and Ando An Giang will host Hacocooking Can Tho.

Newly promoted Hai An Sai Gon United, who are coached by former national striker Van Sy Hung, will play Tien Giang in an away game at My Tho Stadium.

Last year’s First Division winners, Military Zone 4 and Ha Noi T&T were promoted to the V-League. Low-ranking teams Military Zone 7 and Military Zone 5 were relegated to the Second Division.

(Source: VNS)