Ninh Bình
Vissai Ninh Bình FC, officially known as Vissai Cement Ninh Bình Football Club, was a professional football club based in Ninh Bình, Vietnam, founded through the evolution of Ho Chi Minh City Police F.C. The club played at Ninh Bình Stadium and competed in the V.League 1 from 2010 to 2014. Their most notable achievements include winning the V.League 1 title in 1995 (as Ho Chi Minh City Police), the Vietnamese National Cup in 2013, and the Vietnamese Super Cup in 2013. The club's history came to an abrupt end in 2014 when they withdrew from the league due to a match-fixing scandal involving 13 players in the AFC Cup.
History
Overview
General information about the club
Vissai Ninh Bình FC was a Vietnamese professional football club that evolved from Ho Chi Minh City Police F.C. The club underwent several transformations, including relocations and ownership changes, before settling in Ninh Bình in 2007. They were owned by Hoàng Mạnh Trường's VinaKansai cement company and competed in Vietnam's top division from 2010 until their withdrawal in 2014.
Most recent season and achievements
During the 2014 season, Vissai-NB had played eight league matches and were positioned third from bottom when they withdrew from the V.League 1. Despite the domestic league withdrawal, they continued their participation in the AFC Cup until being eliminated by Hong Kong's Kitchee SC in the quarter-finals.
History
Early years
The club's origins trace back to Ho Chi Minh City Police F.C., which was owned by the Ho Chi Minh City police department. During this period, they achieved significant success, winning the V.League in 1995 and finishing as runners-up in multiple seasons including 1993–94, 1996, 1999–2000, and 2001–02. A notable moment came in 1998 when they played a nationally televised friendly match against the semi-professional San Francisco Bay Seals, winning 3–1, marking the first time an American soccer team had played in post-war Vietnam.
Successful period
In 2007, after undergoing two renamings and a move to Long An, the club was purchased by Hoàng Mạnh Trường's VinaKansai cement company and relocated to Ninh Bình. They achieved promotion by winning the First Division in 2009. In preparation for their return to the top flight, Vissai-NB acquired several well-known players, including internationals such as Lê Phước Tứ, Vũ Như Thành, and Phạm Văn Quyến. The club's most successful period came in 2013 when they achieved a domestic double, winning both the National Cup and Super Cup, which qualified them for the AFC Cup.
Crisis and recovery
The club faced its most significant crisis during the 2014 season due to a match-fixing scandal. Thirteen players were indicted for allegedly fixing a match against Malaysian side Kelantan F.C. in the 2014 AFC Cup. The accused players included captain Lê Văn Duyệt and internationals Nguyễn Gia Từ, Chu Ngọc Anh, and Lê Văn Thắng, though the latter was later cleared of any involvement.
Current period
Following the match-fixing scandal, Hoàng Mạnh Trường requested the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and Vietnam Professional Football (VPF) to withdraw Vissai-NB from the league. All of the club's results in the league were declared null and void, effectively ending the club's existence in Vietnamese professional football.
Achievements and Honors
Domestic competitions
League Titles: - V.League 1 Winners: 1995 - V.League 1 Runners-up: 1993–94, 1996, 1999–2000, 2001–02 - V.League 2 (First Division) Winners: 2009
Cup Competitions: - Vietnamese National Cup Winners: 1998, 2001, 2013 - Vietnamese National Cup Runners-up: 2000 - Vietnamese Super Cup Winners: 2013 - Vietnamese Super Cup Runners-up: 1999, 2001
Traditional Rivals
Information about traditional rivals is not available in the provided source material.
Club Traditions and Behind the Scenes
Nicknames
The club was commonly known as Vissai Ninh Bình or Vissai-NB as shortened versions of their official name.
Ownership and finances
The club was owned by Hoàng Mạnh Trường's VinaKansai cement company during their time in Ninh Bình. The ownership was responsible for the club's relocation and investment in players for their top-flight campaigns.
Stadium
Vissai Ninh Bình FC played their home matches at Ninh Bình Stadium during their time in the city.