🇻🇳 Than Quảng Ninh FC (Vietnam)

Than Quảng Ninh FC (Vietnam)

Than Quảng Ninh FC (Câu lạc bộ Bóng đá Than Quảng Ninh), also known as Quang Ninh or TQN, was a professional football club based in Cẩm Phả, Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam, that competed in the V.League 1 before dissolving in 2021 due to severe financial problems.

Founded on 24 April 1956 and long sponsored by the state-owned mining company Vinacomin (Vietnam National Coal and Mineral Industries Holding Corporation), the club was nicknamed “Đội bóng Đất Mỏ” (The Team of the Miners’ Land). It played home matches at Cẩm Phả Stadium (capacity around 20,000) and represented the coal-mining region of northeastern Vietnam.

Than Quảng Ninh spent many seasons in Vietnam’s top flight. Highlights included reaching the group stage of the AFC Cup in 2017 and finishing third (bronze medal) in the V.League in 2019—its best league result. The club was a regular mid-to-upper table side and contributed players to the national setup.

Financial difficulties mounted in the late 2010s. By 2021 the club owed players more than 70 billion VND (roughly several million USD) in unpaid salaries, bonuses, and other dues. On 25 August 2021 it suspended operations, terminated nearly all player contracts, and halted activities. The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) refused to grant a license for the 2022 V.League season due to unmet financial and licensing criteria. FIFA and the AFC also imposed sanctions. The club was effectively dissolved and removed from professional football.

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