The $2-million fee was too steep in the context of the global economic downturn, Dung said.

Meanwhile, Dung and VFF General Secretary Tran Quoc Tuan have maintained that the only international friendly for the national team this year will be with Greece’s Olympiakos.

Tuan said the Greek club would confirm the date next week and perhaps the V-League schedule might need a little change to accommodate the match.

Reported by Hoang Anh