The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has denied rumors that FIFA approved an investment of up to US$100-120 million for Vietnam to build new stadiums. 

The rumors have spread on TikTok over the past few days.

In particular, one story reads, “FIFA agreed to disburse $120 million for Vietnam to build two stadiums with 50,000 and 100,000 seats. The projects will be commenced in March 2024 with $30 million spent on site clearance, and FIFA and its partners will take charge of the stadium construction.” 

Another false story says, “FIFA approved a fund of $100 million for VFF to build a 100,000-seat stadium meeting FIFA standards in Bac Ninh Province [in northern Vietnam]."

The stories excited Vietnamese football fans while also causing them doubt. Meanwhile, no official newspapers or portals are reporting the information.  

VFF chairman Tran Quoc Tuan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday that the information was inaccurate.

He added that FIFA’s principles are clear. Countries will develop their own stadiums, even those wanting to host the World Cup. 

FIFA does not fund any stadium, Tuan emphasized.

FIFA supports its members’ programs every year but these are proposed by member federations and the investment provided by the global football governing body is part of the cost needed for the programs, Tuan informed.

In reality, My Dinh in Hanoi with a capacity of 40,000 seats is the most modern stadium in Vietnam and it cost $53 million to build.

Most recently, FIFA provided Vietnam with $2.7 million to upgrade its football infrastructure, including lighting systems, artificial turfs, equipment for practice, medical equipment, and dorms for national football teams.

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