The word on TikTok has been spreading in the past few days.
One story in particular says, “FIFA has agreed to donate $120 million to Vietnam to build two stadiums with capacities of 50,000 and 100,000 seats. The projects will begin in March 2024, with $30 million allocated for site clearance, and FIFA and its partners will oversee the stadium construction.”
Another false story claims, “FIFA has approved a fund of $100 million for VFF to build a 100,000-seat stadium that meets FIFA standards in Bac Ninh Province [in northern Vietnam].”
These stories have excited Vietnamese football fans while also causing some doubt. However, no official newspapers or portals have reported this information.
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| A huge number of Vietnamese football fans at My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi. Photo: N.K. / Tuoi Tre |
VFF chairman Tran Quoc Tuan told the Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Monday that the information was incorrect.
He also stated that FIFA’s principles are clear. Countries are responsible for developing their own stadiums, even those aiming to host the World Cup.
Tuan emphasized that FIFA does not fund any stadiums.
Each year, FIFA supports its member federations’ programs, which are proposed by the federations themselves. The investment provided by FIFA is only a part of the necessary funding for these programs, as Tuan explained.
In reality, My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi, with a seating capacity of 40,000, is the most modern stadium in Vietnam and cost $53 million to build.
Most recently, FIFA allocated $2.7 million to Vietnam for improvements to its football infrastructure, including lighting systems, artificial turf, practice equipment, medical equipment, and dormitories for national football teams.
