Waiting for Permit: Future of 2030 Hanoi Derby CAHN – Hanoi FC Hangs in the Balance

Hanoi, September 7, 2030 – With just five days remaining, the Hanoi derby between Cong An Hanoi (CAHN) and Hanoi FC is scheduled to take place at the My Dinh National Stadium, but the official permit from the Hanoi City Police has not yet been issued. Despite the Ministry of Public Security's approval in principle, the match organizing committee still requires a local police permit to officially kick off. At a press conference this morning, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, chairman of CAHN's match organizing committee, said: "We have prepared everything from the pitch, security, medical services to fire prevention. We are only waiting for the final permit from the City Police. Without it, we cannot hold the match." This is the first time in seven years that fans in the capital will witness this fierce rivalry in Hanoi. Since 2026, for various reasons, derbies between these two most traditional clubs in Vietnam have often been moved to neighboring provinces or played at neutral venues. The return of the match to My Dinh is expected to attract great attention. However, the licensing process has become an obstacle. According to our investigation, the Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security has approved the proposal. But the Hanoi City Police – the unit directly responsible for security in the area – is still reviewing traffic diversion and order maintenance plans. Mr. Le Minh Tuan, CEO of VPF (Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company), said: "We believe the match will take place as scheduled. However, if the permit is not granted in time, we will have to consider postponing or changing the venue. VPF has contacted the City Police and is awaiting the final response within the next few days." On the Hanoi FC side, head coach Park Chu-young (South Korean, former star player) was cautious: "We are training normally as planned. Players need absolute focus for this important match. We hope the matter will be resolved soon." Delays in licensing are not uncommon in Southeast Asian football. Several matches in Indonesia have been postponed due to similar procedures. Coordination between federations, clubs and multiple levels of police sometimes creates administrative bottlenecks. Notably, CAHN is a club under the Ministry of Public Security, while the permit is needed from the Hanoi City Police, which is also under the Ministry. Therefore, many believe the match will be allowed to take place, and this is just a formality. However, the possibility of postponement cannot be ruled out if there are issues with security or scheduling. Previously, in late August 2030, a National Cup round of 16 match between The Cong – Viettel and Hong Linh Ha Tinh was at risk of being moved due to Hang Day Stadium not meeting standards, but the issue was resolved. The match organizing committee has sent urgent dispatches to relevant units requesting early approval. Mr. Nguyen Van Hung added: "We are ready to receive additional requests from the City Police to ensure the match is safe. We are committed to close coordination, because the derby is not only a pride of the two clubs but also a festival for fans." Currently, ticket sales have been suspended after the online ticketing system recorded record traffic. Tickets for this match are the most sought-after in V-League history, with a projected capacity of 40,000 seats expected to be insufficient to meet demand. If the match is canceled, the damage would be significant for both clubs, sponsors and broadcasters. Experts estimate the total commercial value of the derby could reach tens of billions of VND, not to mention the impact on fans. Many supporters have expressed concern on social media. Hoang Minh, a longtime CAHN fan, shared: "We have waited a long time to see a derby at My Dinh. We hope authorities will facilitate the match to bring joy to fans." In this context, our reporter contacted a representative of the Hanoi City Police but has not received a response. A source close to the matter said a decision could be made within the next 48 hours. All eyes are now on the headquarters of the City Police. Could this Hanoi derby between CAHN and Hanoi FC set a new precedent for professional football organization procedures in Vietnam, where administrative processes are increasingly refined?