1 First Division club will penalize players who gain weight after Tet holiday

Phu Tho FC enforces strict discipline right after Tet break by imposing fines on players who exceed a 2kg weight gain.

Phu Tho FC officially regrouped at noon on the 4th day of Tet (February 21) following a break starting from the 25th day of the lunar month. On the first meeting day, besides receiving lucky money, the entire team immediately underwent a weight check – a familiar but always pressure-inducing task after a long holiday filled with sticky rice cakes and parties. The coaching staff clearly stated that any player who gains more than 2 kg compared to pre-Tet weight will be fined 5 million VND. This rule is considered a “disciplinary barrier” to ensure players maintain their physical condition and help the team quickly return to training rhythm for the next phase of the season.

Head coach Le Quoc Vuong shared with the media: “Actually, this is not a new issue, as many teams have applied it before to raise players’ awareness about self-discipline during breaks. After a long rest, regaining fitness is very challenging. This year, I applied it to the players and they performed quite well, which makes me satisfied.” The coach also emphasized that maintaining discipline during Tet is crucial for the team to keep physical condition and avoid wasting time recovering when training resumes.

Before the break, the coaching staff measured all players’ weights and required each to maintain their personal fitness routine and limit alcohol consumption. Coach Quoc Vuong even included himself in the checks because, as he said, “a leader must set an example.” This seriousness from the coaching staff fostered a sense of self-discipline within the team, helping players proactively manage their lifestyle and nutrition throughout the holiday.

The weight check was conducted in a relaxed and cheerful atmosphere. Many players were excited to step on the scale and curious about their teammates’ results after a week of Tet break. The results showed no player violated the penalty threshold; only two players gained slightly, about 1 kg over the limit. This pleased the coaching staff greatly, reflecting the team’s professionalism and self-discipline during the holiday period.

Immediately after the check, Phu Tho FC held their first training session of the new year that afternoon, marking the restart for the next stage of the season. The coaching staff focused on light exercises to help players reacclimate to physical activity before gradually increasing training intensity in the coming days. Maintaining stable fitness after Tet is seen as a key foundation for the team’s goal to improve their ranking.

At present, Phu Tho FC stands 9th out of 12 on the leaderboard with 9 points after 9 matches. In the upcoming 10th round, the team will host TP.HCM FC at Viet Tri stadium on March 1. This match is considered important, not only for points but also as an opportunity for Phu Tho to demonstrate their preparation after Tet, thereby building positive momentum for the remainder of the season.

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