With the future destiny of their clubs remaining undetermined ahead of the new season, football players, especially stars, at Navibank Saigon, Hanoi Football Club, and Hanoi Juniors are on the brink of unemployment. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on Monday sought permission from the city’s People’s Committee to take over the Navibank Saigon football club, one week after the club called for help as its major sponsor, Navibank, ceased all funding. Under the acquisition plan developed by the department, the entire Navibank Saigon will be transferred to the management of the city, which is requested to ensure operational expenses for the club for three straight years from 2013. The club needs some VND27 billion for each season, VND7 billion of which will be covered by the municipal budget, and sponsorships will be mobilized for the remaining costs. Meanwhile in the capital city, the Hanoi FC and Hanoi Juniors, whose owner, banking mogul Nguyen Duc Kien, was arrested in late August on charges of committing economic wrongdoings, last week narrowly escaped dissolution. The ACB Sporting JSC, the managing company of the said clubs, concluded after a meeting on October 4 that the clubs will be dissolved and not participate in the 2013 V-League due to financial and personnel issues arising after the boss’s capture. However, just a day later the clubs’ representatives told reporters that they will continue operation, and will assemble on October 15 to prepare for the coming season. But the players said the clubs’ future remains a mystery as their superior officials have yet to deliver any official announcements on when they will gather for practice, and whether or not they will be playing at the 2013 V-League. A Hanoi FC star, who requested anonymity, said he had contacted Kien’s wife via telephone out of impatience, only to be told that all of the boss’s bank accounts “were suspended so there is no money left for the club,” he said. Elsewhere, in the central city of Da Nang, the SHB Da Nang players are also concerned by the fact that their wages will be reduced as boss Do Quang Hien has divested from the club. “As the squad has yet to assemble, we don’t how if payments will be adjusted in the new season,” said captain Minh Phuong. Unstable future As for the possible transfer of Navibank Saigon, the Ho Chi Minh City Football Federation said relevant parties should work together prior to the takeover to settle all outstanding debts of the club. Navibank Saigon will also work with each player regarding salary cuts after the transfer is done, he said. Midfielder Doan Viet Cuong, who still has a two-year contract with the club, said he just wishes the transfer is carried out quickly. “I know the club is in difficulties and am willing to cut my salary to share the hardship,” he said. Team captain Tai Em also said players should accept lower wages to help the club. “Cutting the salary by one third seems the most suitable option,” he said. Football star Quang Hai said he is sad as he and his teammates now have an unstable future at Navibank Saigon. The striker said he may talk to his old club, Khatoco Khanh Hoa, about a return. Hai is now attending the stamina practice session with the national team, together with stars Cong Vinh and Thanh Luong, who refused to comment on their future at Hanoi FC, saying they just want to focus on preparing for the 2012 AFF Suzuki Cup. “What will be, will be, and worring solves nothing,” said Thanh Luong. The number one striker Cong Vinh meanwhile said he is willing to stay unemployed at the first stage of the 2013 season before being able to find a new club. “I heard that Hanoi FC will assemble on October 15, but I don’t think the club can remain in operation with such an ordeal,” he said.