Pity and uncertainty surround Vietnamese coaches and players following the arrest of Nguyen Duc Kien, an influential boss in local soccer, on economic charges.

Kien, a 48-year-old banking tycoon who is also the owner of two clubs in the top-flight V-League and the First Division, was arrested at home on Monday evening for wrongdoings in economic activities.

Widely known to hold stakes in many major commercial banks including Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank - one of Vietnam’s largest private banks, the magnate acts as deputy chairman of the Vietnam Professional Football company that now steers the two soccer tournaments.

Nguyen Thanh Vinh, a prominent coach, said he feels sorry for Kien and that his arrest will have a great impact on the mogul’s clubs, CLBBD Hanoi (Hanoi Soccer Club) in V-League and Tre Hanoi (Hanoi Juniors) in the First Division.

“It would be a great pity if Kien cannot continue with soccer,” Vinh said.

Hoa Manh Hung, the current coach of Hanoi Soccer Club, revealed the players are very worried in the wake of the incident as they have yet to receive their salaries and bonuses for the second half of the month.

“In the worst scenario, the players should be informed in advance so that they can find another club,” Hoa said.

Hanoi Juniors chief executive Le Khac Chinh admitted they can do nothing but wait because “[they] don’t know what Kien is facing now.”

Kien’s favorite player, Pham Thanh Luong – Hanoi Soccer Club captain and one of Vietnam’s best left-wingers – was surprised at the news but refused to comment as nothing is clear. Luong has been with Kien for almost ten years now.

Asking to remain anonymous, a teammate of Luong’s said he was not shocked at the arrest. “We cannot comment on our owner’s private business”, he added.

Both clubs narrowly escaped relegation this season despite big spending by Kien.