Transsexuals banned from Vietnam women’s football competition

Two players vie for the ball at the 2014 National Women’s Football Championship. Photo: Kha Hoa

Transsexual players are not allowed to participate in the National Women’s Football Championship, which will kick off on March 5, according to the Vietnam Football Federation.

“The national championship is exclusively for women, so transsexuals will not be allowed,” Duong Nghiep Khoi, vice secretary of the federation, said Thursday.

“This regulation is to ensure fair competition and for the development of Vietnam women’s football,” Khoi said.

He did not say whether there are any players affected by this ban, or how many there are.

The 2015 National Women’s Football Championship – Thai Son Bac Cup will see the competition of one new team, Tao Dan from Ho Chi Minh City, besides six regular teams.

They are Hanoi 1, Hanoi 2, Ho Chi Minh City, Phong Phu Ha Nam, Thai Nguyen and the defending champion Than Khoang San Vietnam.

Seven teams will play each other in two legs with the first leg at HCMC’s Thong Nhat Stadium from March 5-26, and the second leg at Ha Nam’s Phu Ly Stadium from June 21-July 12.

The champion will be awarded VND300 million (US$14,050), 1.5 times more than last year. The runner-up will get VND200 million and the third place will receive VND150 million.

Organizers also grant other awards, including fair-play team, best goalkeeper, best player, top scorer and best referee team.

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