National futsal tournament promises thrilling clashes

The 2021 HDBank National Futsal Championship will gather 12 teams and continue to apply a two-phase format to increase competitiveness and excitement as well as to ensure the highest quality of matches.

Representatives of the organisers present flowers to the main sponsor of national futsal tournaments in 2021, HDBank. (Photo: VFF)
Representatives of the organisers present flowers to the main sponsor of national futsal tournaments in 2021, HDBank. (Photo: VFF)

The information was announced by the organisers at a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City on March 24.

Specifically, the first phase (qualification) is scheduled to take place between March 28 and April 5 in Buon Ma Thuot City, Dak Lak Province. Six teams, namely Cao Bang, Hung Gia Khang Dak Lak, Tan Hiep Hung, Quang Nam, Viet Football and debutants Luxury Ha Long, will play in a round robin tournament to determine the top four performers, who will then advance to the second phase.

Phase 2 will feature 10 teams, including the top four qualifiers from Phase 1 and the top six finishers in last year’s championship – title holders Thai Son Nam, runners-up Sahako, third-placed Sanvinest Sanatech Khanh Hoa, Zetbit Saigon FC, Hieu Hoa Da Nang, and Thai Son Bac.

They will compete in a double round robin to decide the overall rankings, with the first leg running from April 9 to 30 and the return leg set for July 5-26.

The top six teams in the 2021 championship will earn wild cards to the final round of next year’s competition. The overall champions will pocket VND500 million and represent Vietnam in the 2022 AFC Futsal Club Championship. Meanwhile, the runners-up will receive VND200 million, together with a place in the 2022 AFF Futsal Club Championship. Prizes of VND100 million and VND40 million will be awarded to the third-placed team and fair-play prize winners, respectively.

The 2021 HDBank National Futsal Cup is set to take place from September 1 to 16 in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong.

Thai Son Nam Club take the trophy at the 2020 National Futsal Championship with a record run of 18 unbeaten games. (Photo: VFF)

At the 2020 National Futsal Championship, Thai Son Nam Club defended their title with a record run of 18 unbeaten games (14 wins and four draws). It was the 10th time they took the top honour, after 13 appearances.