Coach Velizar Popov wants to quit the V-League due to referees

Yet again, the V-League 2025/26 is caught up in disputes over referee decisions. This time, it is Coach Velizar Popov from The Cong Viettel who has sparked the issue.

Following a 1-1 draw against HCMC Policeon the evening of May 31 at Binh Duong Stadium, the Bulgarian coach made extremely fierce comments.

He asserted that his team had been consistently treated unfairly throughout the season and even stated he might leave the V-League, never to return after finishing his current role.

Looking specifically at the match against HCMC Police, the frustration ofCoach Popovis not unfounded.

The Cong Viettel dominated the game and created numerous dangerous chances.

At the start of the match,The Cong Viettelmanaged to put the ball in the net, but the goal was disallowed in a situation that remains highly contested. Later, Lucao executed a volley inside the box, the ball struck the home defender's hand, yet referee Bin Ali again refused to award a penalty.

The organizers brought in a Malaysian referee to handle this match instead of a local one to ensure a fair game.

With the team directly competing for the runner-up spot and a berth in the Asian Cup, dropping two points clearly left The Cong Viettel's coaching staff unsatisfied.

Previously, The Cong Viettel had been held to a 1-1 draw by PVF-CAND in a match where many experts believed the army team was penalized very harshly.

After that game, referee Tran Ngoc Nho was suspended, further convincing those involved that they had lost points unfairly.

When similar incidents keep happening, Coach Popov's reaction is understandable. A coach known for his strong character, emotional nature, and unwavering support for his players would certainly struggle to stay calm when he feels the team's efforts are harmed by controversial calls.

The Cong Viettel has reason to be concerned as the race for the runner-up spot becomes extremely tight. Coach Popov's team currently has 51 points, just three ahead of Ninh Binh. That lead may seem safe, but it is actually very precarious because Ninh Binh has a superior goal difference.

In the final round at 6:00 PM on June 7, The Cong Viettel only needs a draw against Hanoi Police FC to secure second place. However, if they lose while Ninh Binh beats Hong Linh Ha Tinh at home, the runner-up position and the ticket to the continental competition could change hands completely.

That makes the match against Hanoi Police FC the biggest challenge of the season for Mr. Popov and his players. The Cong Viettel is at a disadvantage as they must play at Thien Truong Stadium because their usual home ground, Hang Day, is hosting a simultaneous match between Hanoi FC and HCMC Police.

Perhaps at this moment, instead of getting drawn into off-field arguments, what The Cong Viettel needs most is to channel all their energy into the final 90 minutes.

Only the result on the pitch provides the most convincing answer. Mr.Popovbesides the runner-up race against Ninh Binh, also faces the National Cup semi-final on June 11 against the very same opponent.