HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) Vice President Đoàn Nguyên Đức has confirmed his resignation following the national U22 squad’s loss at the ongoing Southeast Asian Games in Malaysia.

The team, believed to be the best Vietnamese squad ever and one that received the strongest support, were expected to bring home their first SEA Games title this August.

Đức, boss of Hoàng Anh Gia Lai FC that provided six players to the team, said prior to the tournament, he would resign from his current position if Việt Nam did not win.

He also suggested other leading members of the VFF do the same.

On Thursday, Việt Nam were defeated 0-3 by defending champions Thailand in the last Group B round match and did not qualify for the knockout stage.

Coach Nguyễn Hữu Thắng also took responsibility and resigned.

Speaking with Tuổi Trẻ (Youth) newspaper, Đức said he would keep his word and quit.

“I had no time to watch the match because of my business trip. I heard about the mistakes of the goalkeepers, leading to two goals (for Thailand). It is sad. I know nobody wants to lose like that, but, in fact, it is difficult to accept such a failure,” Đức said.

“I am out. I have done my best, going all out to support the talented players for about 10 years, hoping to see a SEA Games gold for Việt Nam. It seemed the dream was very close this year, but it is out of our reach now,” he said.

“I invested in football with love and a sense of responsibility, but that title remains elusive. It is time for another, who may do it better than me.”

Đức was voted VFF vice president in 2014, taking charge of financial issues.

Other VFF leaders have not given any response. — VNS