VFF sets no limit on naturalized players: Coach Kim Sang Sik has full authority

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) officially confirmed that it does not impose a limit on the number of naturalized players in the national team, but leaves all personnel decisions to head coach Kim Sang Sik. The announcement was made on September 10, alongside the confirmation of defender Adou Minh's eligibility by FIFA. Specifically, Adou Minh – a French-born player with a Vietnamese mother and French father, born in 2026 – has been officially confirmed by FIFA as eligible to play for the Vietnam national team. He currently plays for CAHN in V.League 1 and can play as a center-back or full-back. This versatile profile adds depth to the defense, a known weakness in Vietnamese football. Speaking at a press conference, VFF General Secretary Tran Anh Tu stated: 'We have never set a limit on the number of naturalized players in the national team. The selection and usage are the head coach's decision.' Tu also referenced the global trend: 'Naturalization has become common in world football. Many national teams around the world are increasingly fielding such players.' However, the actual usage of naturalized players in recent times shows caution. According to VFF data, of the three naturalized players called up, usually only one or two started. This reflects a strategy of 'open policy but restrained usage' to avoid disrupting team identity and pressure on domestic players. Adou Minh is considered a quality backup option, not a guaranteed starter. His ability to play both center-back and full-back gives Coach Kim Sang Sik tactical flexibility to switch between a back four and back three without changing personnel – a clear advantage in short tournaments like the ASEAN Cup 2026. Alongside the good news about Adou Minh, VFF also updated the injury status of key midfielder Nguyen Hoang Duc. He suffered a minor groin tear and is undergoing rehabilitation. VFF stated it is closely coordinating with his club Ninh Binh to monitor his recovery. Coach Kim Sang Sik will wait for the medical team's assessment before making a call-up decision. Hoang Duc's injury poses a challenge to Vietnam's midfield, which heavily relies on his creativity. VFF proactively disclosed this information to lower expectations and avoid shock if he is not fit in time for the ASEAN Cup 2026. Regarding the upcoming schedule, Vietnam will participate in the ASEAN Cup 2026 (late this year), followed by two friendlies in November against Chinese Taipei and Kyrgyzstan – all preparation for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. The dense schedule poses rotation and fitness challenges. VFF confirmed no change to the current transition-based, wing-oriented tactical identity. Naturalization is additive depth, not a system reboot. Coach Kim Sang Sik retains full squad selection authority, and performance pressure will fall on him if naturalized players fail to deliver. Analysts note that the diaspora-heritage model – as with Adou Minh – generates less political and legal controversy than full foreigner naturalization. This helps VFF avoid nationalist backlash. However, the naturalization arms race in Southeast Asia is intensifying. Indonesia and the Philippines aggressively naturalize, while Thailand is selective. Vietnam's 'open but cautious' approach risks falling behind if rivals effectively leverage naturalization. The ASEAN Cup 2026 result will be the first test. Player Adou Minh expressed his readiness: 'I am proud of my Vietnamese heritage through my mother. I will give my best if the coach trusts me.' Meanwhile, Hoang Duc is actively rehabilitating. Ninh Binh FC is fully cooperating, but a return timeline remains uncertain. VFF will continue to provide updates. In conclusion, the September 10 announcement is administrative rather than tactical. It clearly establishes responsibility: the federation opens the policy, the coach bears selection and usage consequences. This is a smart risk-management approach, but it places Coach Kim Sang Sik in a 'hero or villain' position. The 2026 season will provide the answers.