Ho Chi Minh City Club did not break the law?

VTC News sources said that Ho Chi Minh City Club continues to send documents such as advertising licenses from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF). This is a response to VPF's request to clarify information related to the contract with the team's new sponsor for the 2023 season.

Up to this point, Ho Chi Minh City Club has not violated the tournament's regulations as well as the advertising and sponsorship regulations of VPF. Basically, when participating in the national professional football tournament system, VPF's advertising and sponsorship regulations for football teams still follow the Advertising Law. In addition, advertising and sponsorship must avoid factors related to the exclusive industry that the main sponsor of the tournament has chosen.

Ho Chi Minh City Club advertises its brand on a betting site.

VPF requested Ho Chi Minh City Club to report on its financial resources and partners. This action was taken to ensure that the promotion, advertising, and payment of benefits to sponsors of the Club in V-League is legal and complies with the regulations of the organizing committee and the Vietnam Football Federation.

Before the 2023/2024 season kicked off, Ho Chi Minh City FC received a large sponsorship package from a business belonging to an international corporation with many business fields. The promotional image of this sponsor on the Ho Chi Minh City FC jersey is identical to the logos of some sports betting sites - a form of entertainment considered legal in some countries but not yet recognized by Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City team continues to have a written commitment that the cooperation with the sponsor is legal. This enterprise is registered as a legal entity in Vietnam in the fields of food, beverage, hotel, sports entertainment, etc. In addition to advertising on jerseys, advertising on electronic LED boards during home matches, Ho Chi Minh City Club also ensures the rights of this sponsor through advertising in some public places in Ho Chi Minh City.

Responding to VTC News, lawyer Nguyen Duc Chanh - DC Counsel law firm said: " In principle, businesses are allowed to advertise if the product lines are recognized by the State and do not violate the law. In addition, businesses have registered to do business in Vietnam legally, but the parent company abroad also needs to ensure that it does not violate these industries.

From a legal perspective, one can only say whether it is right or wrong, permitted or not permitted. As for whether the advertisement is associated with activities not recognized by the State or not, that is a story that the media is allowed to question .

Mai Phuong

Source: https://vtc.vn/ao-dau-co-logo-tai-tro-giong-het-trang-ca-do-clb-tp-hcm-khong-pham-luat-ar829516.html