The chairman of HCM City People’s Committee Le Hoang Quanpaid a visit to the city’s two football teams, HCM City FC and Saigon United, on August 27.

HCMC People’s Committee Chairman Le Hoang Quan (R) encouraging HCMC FC’s coach Lu Dinh Tuan at the meeting with his team on August 27.

Besides, the city does not lack money for football since the city approved last year’s budget for the teams at VND240 billion (US$13 million), more than two times the anticipated budget by the team.

“The city’s People’s Committee partially blamed itself for the situation, as HCM City FC is part of the city. However, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism must recognize mistakes and learn experiences from talented coaches. This would help them check their operations and reconsider better treatment toward footballers and coaching staff.”

In the discussion to improve the quality of the teams, Luong Trung The, general manager of Southern Steel - Saigon Port Football, suggested the city’s leaders to approve three requests, including an budget of VND10 billion ($540,000) for Saigon United to hire outstanding players, a plan to promote the team image and build a multi-functioning sports center with a campus for coaches and footballers.

The new sports center could be built at the current location of Saigon United‘s office, he added.

In feedback on Mr. The’s ideas, Mr. Quan said: “I understand Mr. The’s ideas and will discuss them with my colleagues later. The city’s Party Committee and People’s Committee are looking forward to the report by HFF after their meeting with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and two teams, HCMC FC and Saigon United, next week.

“I also agree with next year’s goal of HCMC FC to return to the V-League. We must prove to football lovers that our city is the biggest center of culture, economy and sports.”

VietNamNet/SGGP