2025 THANH NIEN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT - THACO CUP

From March 24^th to April 1^st, 2025, with technical support from the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and primary sponsorship from THACO Corporation, Thanh Niên News will host the 2025 Thanh Niên International Student Football Tournament – THACO Cup. The event will feature six teams, including four Southeast Asian university teams and two Vietnamese university teams.

The tournament will take place at the stadium of Tôn Đức Thắng University, (No. 19 Nguyễn Hữu Thọ Street, Tân Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam).

Competition Format: The 6 teams will be divided into two groups, playing a round-robin format to determine rankings and points. The first and second teams from each group will advance to the semi-finals, with the winners competing in the final and the losing teams facing off for the third place.

The champion will be awarded a trophy, medals and prize money of 6,000 USD. The runner-up will receive medals and prize money of 4,000 USD. The team finishing in third place will receive medals and prize money of 2,000 USD. Other prizes will also be awarded.

ORGANIZER:
THANH NIÊN NEWS

Founded on January 3^rd, 1986, Thanh Niên News is the mouthpiece of the Vietnam Youth Union and operates under the Central Committee of the Ho Chi Minh Communist Youth Union.

The headquarters of Thanh Niên News is located at 268 - 270 Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Street, Võ Thị Sáu Ward, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. The newspaper also has representative offices across the country, including the Northeast, North Central, Central Coast, South Central, Central Highlands, Southeast, and Southwest regions.

• Editor-in-Chief: Journalist Nguyễn Ngọc Toàn
• Deputy Editors-in-Chief: Journalists Bảo Phước (Hải Thành), Lâm Hiếu Dũng, Trần Việt Hưng

Thanh Niên News owns a multi-platform media ecosystem, including print editions, digital platforms, and a robust presence on social media channels. Thanh Niên’s print edition is one of the highest circulated newspapers in Vietnam, with a peak circulation of approximately 500,000 copies per day. Its website, thanhnien.vn, consistently ranks among the top Vietnamese language news websites, with an average of over 100 million page views per month.

Thanh Niên’s social media platforms, such as Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/thanhnien), YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@thanhnientvnews with more than 6 million subscribers), and TikTok, have attracted tens of millions of subscribers and nearly 10 billion views. Thanh Niên also features niche channels such as Thanh Niên Sports, iHay TV (entertainment), and Ngon TV (food).

In addition to its journalistic prominence, Thanh Niên News has also made a significant mark in organizing prestigious sporting events in Vietnam, including:

• The National and International U-21 Football Tournaments since 1997, which is a credible platform to discover and nurture young football talents in Vietnam.
• The Vietnam Thanh Niên Student Football Championship, a national championship for university student clubs in Vietnam, which has hosted three seasons to date.
• Tennis, billiards, and pickleball tournaments, focusing on various sports, which foster athlete training and development.

TOURNAMENT VENUE

The 2025 Thanh Nien International Student Football Tournament – THACO Cup will be held at the Tôn Đức Thắng University Stadium, located at 19 Nguyễn Hữu Thọ Street, Tân Phong Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

The Tôn Đức Thắng University Stadium is a FIFA 2-star standard facility, featuring artificial turf, 3 grandstands with seating for over 7,000 spectators, and lighting for nighttime matches. This stadium has also hosted the finals of the Vietnam Thanh Nien Student Football Championship for 3 consecutive years: 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Tôn Đức Thắng University is one of the Vietnam's top public educational institutions, with state-of-the-art facilities. In late 2023, the UI GreenMetric World University Ranking, which evaluates global universities on sustainability, ranked Tôn Đức Thắng University 91^st out of 1,183 participating institutions. The university campus spans 30 hectares, with abundant greenery, lakes and modern buildings. It offers dozens of academic programs and currently enrolls over 20,000 students.

TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS

1. TECHNICAL REGULATIONS:

   1. Tournament name:

      THANH NIEN INTERNATIONAL STUDENT FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT 2025 - THACO CUP
      • - Organizer: Thanh Nien Newspaper
      • - Coordinating in organizing: Vietnam Football Federation

   2. Participants:

      The tournament features six teams, including four teams of university students from South East Asia countries and two teams of Vietnamese university students.

   3. Player Eligibility:

      Players eligible to participate must meet the following criteria:
      • University students from participating countries.
      • Age from 18 to 25 years old (born from January 1^st, 2000 to December 31^st, 2006).

   4. Registration:

      • 4.1 Number of Participants: Each team may register a maximum of 7 officials and 23 players.
      • 4.2 Required documents:

        - The registration list of players must include: full name, date of birth, position, passport number, place of issue and expiration dates, issuing authority (for all members), height, weight, and jersey number (for players).

        - The team registration form must be submitted to the Organizing Committee by February 15^th, 2025, at:
        Email: giaibongdaTNSV@thanhnien.vn
        Email: thi.tavu@thanhnien.vn

   5. Team Uniforms:

      - Each team must have at least two sets of uniforms in different colors to be used throughout the tournament. Goalkeepers must have at least two jerseys in different colors with same jersey number. Any uniform changes must be reported to the Organizing Committee no later than the pre-match meeting.

      - All player uniforms must display the team name and player number. Theo team name and player number must be displayed in a legible font and contrasting colors. Team’s name on the back of jerseys must not exceed 7.5 cm in height, while jersey numbers must range from 25 cm to 35 cm in height. Shorts must display the same number on the front, right side, with a height of 7 cm. Player jersey numbers must remain consistent throughout the tournament.

      - Competition attire must not feature any text or images advertising brands, products, or services.

      - The right sleeve of the shirt must display the logo of the competition (provided by the organizers).

      - Teams must submit their uniform designs for approval by the organizers prior to the event.

   6. Format and Scoring rules: Mode of Competition/Competition format

      • 6.1 Competition Format:

        The six teams will be divided into two groups, playing one round-robin format to calculate points and rankings. The first and second-place teams from each group will advance to the semifinals. The semifinal winners will compete in the Final match, while the losers will compete for third place.
        • 6.1.1 Scoring and Ranking in Group Matches: -> Mode of calculating points and ranking in the single round robin format
          1. Three (3) points for a win
          2. One (1) point for a draw and
          3. Zero (0) point for a defeat
          Rankings will be determined based on total points.
        • 6.1.2 Tiebreaker Rules:

          If more than two teams are tied on points, the following criteria will be applied to determine the rankings of the teams concerned:
          First, results of the matches between the tied teams will be considered in the following order:

          • - Greater number of points obtained in all matches.
          • - Goal difference.
          • - Greater number of goals
          •   The team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.

        • 6.1.3 If there is still a tie after considering the above criteria, the following will be applied (based on all matches of the tournament):
          • - Goal difference in all matches.
          • - Greater number of goals.
          •   Again, the team with the higher number in each category will be ranked higher.
        • 6.1.4 If still tied, rankings will be determined by counting points as below principles:
          • Yellow card: 1 point
          • Red card (two yellow cards in the same match): 3 points
          • Direct red card: 3 points
          • One yellow card and one direct red card in the same match: 4 points
          • Teams with fewer number will be ranked higher.

          In case of tie on points after considering above mentioned criteria, drawing lots will be conducted to determine ranking of teams (In case there are two teams tie on points and both teams are still on field of play, taking kicks from penalty mark will be applied to determine ranking)

   7. Knockout Matches (Semi finals, Third place and Final Match)

      Played in knock – out format as single elimination. If these matches end in a draw after normal playing time, taking kicks from penalty mark will be applied to determine winner.

   8. Match Rules and Other Provisions:

      • 8.1 Matches will adhere to the Laws of the Game as issued by IFAB.
      • 8.2 A maximum of 20 players (11 starters and 9 substitutes) can be registered for each match. Teams may substitute up to 5 players during 3 substitution opportunities.
      • 8.3 Matches will consist of two 40-minute halves, with a 15-minute halftime break.
      • 8.4 The official tournament ball will be an approved FIFA-standard product from Dong Luc.

   9. Disciplinary matters:

      • 9.1 The Organizing Committee will handle disciplinary actions for any violations committed by participants during the Tournament.
      • 9.2 A player receiving two (02) yellow cards in the same match (resulting in an indirect red card) will be sent off and suspended for the next match.
      • 9.3 A player receiving two (02) yellow cards in two (02) separate matches will be suspended for the next match.
      • 9.4 A player receiving a direct red card will be suspended for at least the next match. The Organizing Committee may extend the suspension depending on the severity of the violation.

   10. Tournament Schedule and Venue:

       • Duration: From March 24^th to April 1^st, 2025
       • Venue: Ton Duc Thang University Stadium (Ho Chi Minh City)

   11. Match Commissioner, Referees and Coordinators:

       Match Commissioner, referees, and coordinators will be appointed by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Vietnam Football Federation.

2. FINANCIAL REGULATIONS:

   1. Prizes:

      • 1.1 Champion: Trophy, medals, and prize money of 6,000 USD
      • 1.2 Runner-up: Medals and prize money of 4,000 USD
      • 1.3 Third Place: Medals and prize money of 2,000 USD
      • 1.4 Fair Play Award of 1,500 USD
      • 1.5 Top Scorer: $500 USD
        In the event of a tie for the highest number of goals, the players will be recognized as top scorers, and the prize money will be divided equally among them.
      • 1.6 Most Valuable Player (MVP): $500 USD
      • 1.7 Best Goalkeeper: $500 USD
      • 1.8 Best Referee Team: $500 USD
      • 1.9 Player of the Match: $100 USD per match

   2. Meals, Accommodation, Transportation, and Allowances for Members of the Organizing Committee, Tournament Staff, and Technical Personnel:

      (Specific financial regulations are outlined in a separate document.)

   3. Regulations on Meals, Accommodation, and Transportation for Teams:

      • 3.1 The Organizing Committee will arrange meals and accommodation for the participating teams:
        • Number of people: A maximum of 30 individuals per team (6 single rooms for officials and 12 double rooms for coaches and players).
        • Meal arrangements: 3 meals per day, with additional light meals provided on match days.
      • 3.2 Duration: From March 22^nd, 2025 to April 1^st, 2025. If unforeseen circumstances (such as flight delays) occur, the Organizing Committee will continue to provide accommodation and meals until the teams’ departure.
      • 3.3 Travel arrangements:
        • International travel will be arranged for the teams (other travel arrangements must be approved by the Organizing Committee).
        • The Organizing Committee will arrange local transportation (pick-up, drop-off, and local transportation within Ho Chi Minh City) for the teams, including 01 45 – seats bus
      • 3.4 Laundry service at the hotel:
        • Officials: 1 set per person per day.
        • Players: 1 set per person per day.

   4. Regulations on Meals, Accommodation, Travel, and Payment for Match Supervisors, Referees, and Coordinators:

      • 4.1 The Organizing Committee will arrange meals and accommodation for match commissioner, referees, and coordinators on duty during the tournament:
        • Number of personnel: 11 people (single rooms for Match Commissioner, coordinators, and international referees; twin rooms for domestic referees).
        • Meal arrangements: 3 meals per day, with additional light meals provided on match days.
      • 4.2 Duration: From March 22^nd, 2025 to April 1^st, 2025. If unforeseen circumstances (e.g., flight delays) arise, the Organizing Committee will continue to provide accommodation and meals until they return home.
      • 4.3 Travel arrangements:
        • The Organizing Committee will reimburse actual travel expenses for economy class tickets (based on invoices).
        • The Organizing Committee will arrange transportation (pick-up, drop-off, and local transportation within Ho Chi Minh City) for Match Comissioners, referees, and coordinators using a 16-seat bus.
      • 4.4 Laundry service at the hotel:
        • 1 set per person per day.
      • 4.5 Allowances: The Organizing Committee will issue specific regulations.

   5. Ticket and Pass Arrangements: -> Match tickets and parking pass allocation:

      • 5.1 Teams and other tasked members: The Organizing Committee will invite them to watch all matches.

3. REGULATIONS ON AMENDMENTS TO THE REGULATIONS:

   Only Thanh Nien Newspaper has the authority to amend and supplement these regulations through specific official announcements.