Vietnam vs Japan match likely to be played behind closed doors
VOV.VN - The upcoming 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying match between hosts Vietnam and Japan on November 11 is likely to be held behind closed doors at the My Dinh National Stadium in Hanoi.
The Hanoi municipal administration stated on October 20 that it has not granted approval to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF)’s proposal to let vaccinated spectators enter the stadium to support the host team, reasoning COVID-19 fears remain a primary concern.
Organisers put forward a proposal on October 11 to receive supporters for the game. The suggestion was that the stadium could operate at 50% capacity in line with the recommendations put forward by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) now the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control.
Fans will be required to have certificates showing negative test results against COVID-19 and be fully vaccinated against the virus.
A VFF representative later said the VFF has requested its management body, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, to submit the proposal to the Prime Minister for consideration.
Vietnam are scheduled to face Japan and Saudi Arabia on November 11 and November 16, respectively, as part of the third round of Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with both fixtures to get underway in Hanoi.
So far during the group stage, Vietnam have lost four games in a row after being outplayed by China, Saudi Arabia, Australia, and Oman. They are now at the bottom of Group B.
