BREAKING: Coach Mai Đức Chung may still lead the Vietnam women's national team

Despite the contract expiring after SEA Games 33, Coach Mai Đức Chung could still remain as the head coach of the Vietnam women's national team.

Thus, the Vietnam women's team concluded SEA Games 33 with a silver medal, a bittersweet result after losing to the Philippines in the final. Notably, Coach Mai Đức Chung's squad would have won if Bích Thùy's goal at the 30th minute had not been controversially ruled offside.

Coach Mai Đức Chung's contract with the Vietnam women's national team will expire on December 31, 2025. In theory, SEA Games 33 was also the last tournament he was attached to with his players. Although he didn't have the perfect farewell with the 9th gold medal for Vietnamese women's football, this tournament was still a successful and proud moment for Coach Mai Đức Chung and his team.

However, according to some sources, the Vietnam Football Federation is keen for Coach Mai Đức Chung to continue leading the women's team. The reason is that in March, the team has a crucial campaign: the 2026 Women's Asian Cup. Given the short timeframe, it is challenging for VFF to find someone capable of taking over the responsibility of leading the team.

The 2026 Women's Asian Cup will also determine six continental representatives for the 2027 Women's World Cup. Yet, Coach Mai Đức Chung has not made a final decision. The veteran football strategist of Vietnam is taking time to rest and consider whether to continue coaching the women's national team.

It seemed that his farewell at the end of 2023 marked the end of Coach Mai Đức Chung's brilliant journey after a heartfelt tribute from the VFF. Amidst the Vietnamese women's football entering a transition phase needing a younger, more modern energy to elevate its status, the "old father" of the team also expressed a wish to rest due to his advanced age.

However, driven by a sense of duty and boundless love for his players, Mr. Chung made a surprising decision to return. If he agrees to extend, this could be the second time Coach Mai Đức Chung postpones retirement to keep contributing to Vietnamese women's football.