Head coach lacks license to lead Vietnam at Women’s World Cup

According to FIFA regulations, a head coach must have a Pro license to be eligible to manage a national team at a World Cup event. Due to time limits and Covid-19, it’s difficult for Chung to get a Pro license before Women’s World Cup, which will take place in Australia and New Zealand from July 20 to Aug. 20, 2023.

At 2022 Women’s Asian Cup (a World Cup qualifier event) that just concluded, a coach also needed to have a FIFA Pro license to participate. However, the regulations there were flexible.

“If you already coached the national team for five years, you only need an A license. Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) is checking if FIFA also has similar flexible regulations at Women’s World Cup,” a VFF official told VnExpress on Monday.

After coaching Vietnam to claim historic Women’s World Cup qualification this month, Chung said he might let someone else take over his job next year. However, he is open to the possibility of continuing if his health allows. VFF also wants the 71-year-old coach to continue his job with the national team.

“If I can’t coach the team due to the regulations then I’m willing to take a step back and let someone else take my position. I have no problem with it,” Chung said.

Before the historic first World Cup qualification, Chung helped Vietnam win four SEA Games gold medals. His contract with VFF is still valid until the end of 2022.

If FIFA is not flexible with its regulations for World Cup next year, Chung can still manage the team as technical director.