V.League champions Quang Nam FC are faced with the possibility of not qualifying for the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Champions League 2018.

Quang Nam players and coaches enjoy their V.League trophy on November 25. Quang Nam may face with possibility of disqualification from the AFC Champions League. — Photo vtc.vn

One of AFC’s rules is that any team that wants to take part in a continental competition has to compete in all official national youth tournaments.

Quang Nam have participated in all events except the U17 tourney.

Speaking with reporters, coach Hoang Van Phuc said his players were excited to take part in the AFC tournament for the first time, a result of their efforts over several seasons.

Executive director Nguyen Hup said Quang Nam’s managers would work together to resolve the issue. Quang Nam Province has only recently begun to focus on the development of football development. Training activities, however, did not produce great result leading to their absence from the U17 competition.

Quang Nam received strong support from provincial leaders and sponsors to compete at the AFC event. The club said they would try their best to make this dream come true.

At present, only five clubs in Viet Nam – Hanoi, Song Lam Nghe An, SHB Da Nang, Quang Ninh Coal and FLC Thanh Hoa – can meet AFC’s demand.

In case Quang Nam are disqualified, Thanh Hoa, V.League’s first runners-up, will take their place. — VNS