Sources from VTC News indicate that Ho Chi Minh City FC continues to send documents such as advertising permits from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF). This is a response to VPF's request to clarify information related to the team's new sponsor contract for the 2023 season.
To date, Ho Chi Minh City FC has not violated the league regulations or the VPF's advertising and sponsorship rules. Basically, when participating in the national professional football league system, the VPF's advertising and sponsorship regulations for teams still follow the Advertising Law. In addition, advertising and sponsorship must avoid elements related to the exclusive product categories chosen by the league's main sponsor.
Ho Chi Minh City FC advertised for a brand similar to a gambling website.
VPF has requested Ho Chi Minh City FC to report on its financial sources and partners. This action is taken to ensure that the club's promotion, advertising, and fulfillment of sponsor obligations in the V-League are legal and comply with the regulations of the organizing committee and the Vietnam Football Federation.
Before the start of the 2023/2024 season, Ho Chi Minh City FC received a substantial sponsorship package from a business belonging to an international conglomerate with diverse business activities. The promotional image of this sponsor on the club's jerseys is identical to the logo of several sports betting websites – a form of entertainment considered legal in some countries but not yet recognized in Vietnam.
The Ho Chi Minh City team continues to provide written commitments stating that their cooperation with the sponsor is legal. This company is registered as a business entity in Vietnam operating in the fields of food, beverages, hotels, sports entertainment, etc. In addition to advertising on jerseys and on electronic LED boards during home matches, the Ho Chi Minh City club also ensures the sponsor's rights through advertising in several public locations in Ho Chi Minh City.
Speaking to VTC News, lawyer Nguyen Duc Chanh from DC Counsel law firm said: " In principle, businesses are allowed to advertise if the product categories are recognized by the State and do not violate the law. In addition, even if the business is legally registered in Vietnam, the parent company abroad also needs to ensure that it does not violate regulations in these product categories."
From a legal perspective, we can only say whether it's right or wrong, permitted or not permitted. As for whether the advertisement evokes associations with activities not recognized by the State, that's a question the media is allowed to ask ."
Mai Phuong
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