Coach Velizar Popov faces severe penalties following his shocking statements

The shocking comments following The Cong - Viettel's tie against Ho Chi Minh City Police may result in Coach Popov facing a strict punishment from the Vietnamese Football Federation.

Shocking statements from Coach Velizar Popov after the 1-1 draw between The Cong - Viettel and Ho Chi Minh City Police in round 25 of the V-League 2025/26 have become the hottest topic in Vietnamese football. Not only did he express disappointment with the refereeing, but the Bulgarian tactician also made extremely harsh declarations that left the public astonished.

At Thong Nhat Stadium, The Cong - Viettel were very close to victory and an early claim to the runner-up spot before Tien Linh scored the equalizer in the 85th minute. This result means the "army team" cannot yet secure second place at the season's end, and they continue to face pressure in the race for a spot in next season's AFC Champions League Two.

However, what grabbed fans' attention even more came from the post-match press conference. Coach Popov could not hide his frustration as he repeatedly mentioned unfavorable decisions that he believes the "Red Tornado" has endured throughout the season. The 1976-born manager asserted that The Cong - Viettel have been robbed of many points and did not hesitate to criticize what he called the "system" working against his team.

The climax came with a bombshell announcement when Coach Popov stated he would leave Vietnam and never return. These strong words immediately sparked a wave of debate on social media. Some fans think the Bulgarian strategist was just reacting in anger, but many others believe his statements went beyond acceptable limits.

Notably, this is not the first time he has been embroiled in controversies involving referees and tournament management. Earlier in round 18, Coach Popov reacted strongly to the calls of referee Nguyen Viet Duan, even throwing an official card onto the pitch. That action led to the Bulgarian coach receiving a four-match touchline ban from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) Disciplinary Committee.

Therefore, his continued aggressive remarks after the latest match greatly increase the likelihood of disciplinary action. According to VFF disciplinary regulations, Coach Popov could face penalties under the following articles:

"Article 45: Acts and attitudes of attack and agitation

1. Any person who engages in acts, gestures, actions, words, or other forms intended to insult, attack, or provoke others shall, depending on the severity of the violation, be suspended from playing or performing duties for at least 2 matches;
2. If the target of such attacking or provocative behavior is the Vietnam Football Federation or any agency or representative of the Vietnam Football Federation, the suspension period from playing or performing duties shall be doubled (+100%);
3. A minimum fine of 10,000,000 VND for violations under clause 1 and 20,000,000 VND for violations under clause 2 of this Article.

Article 66: Violations regarding speech and conduct in football activities

Any person who makes statements or engages in behavior that seriously affects the image of Vietnamese football, the honor and reputation of the Vietnam Football Federation, or the national football league shall receive a warning, a minimum fine of 10,000,000 VND, or be suspended from playing or performing duties for at least 2 matches."

With only one round left in the season, all attention is now focused on the next move of the VFF Disciplinary Committee. The comments about leaving Vietnam also cast a huge question mark over Coach Popov's future at the "Red Tornado."

As the race for the runner-up position remains undecided, The Cong - Viettel are facing pressure both on and off the pitch. At this point, the most talked-about issue is no longer the Asian Cup qualification ticket, but what consequences Coach Velizar Popov will face after his stormy press conference.