Vietnam visit for Olympiacos

By: Peter Katsiris | December 2nd, 2008

Trips to Asia have usually been the talk of supreme European clubs; however, come May 2009, it will be Olympiacos making headlines in Asia. According to the chairman of the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF), Nguyen Trong Hy, the Greek Champions are the first to book a mid-spring trip to Vietnam.

The Greek champions have reportedly agreed to play a friendly against the Vietnam National Team in Vietnam’s capital city Hanoi. The Greek Champions will be the first club from Greece to cross the continental border between Europe and Asia and travel to South East Asia.

“Guest teams to the Thang Long Cup must be continental or globally reputed teams,” Trong Hy confirmed.

Although Olympiacos has been confirmed as Vietnam visitors, the ‘Eruthroleuki’ have taken a back seat to rumors with the likes of Manchester United and AC Milan also rumoured to travel to the Vietnamese capital.

Reports state the European champions are still distant from making the much anticipated trip, with contract negotiations still on-going between the two parties. According to the VFF, Manchester United will be presented an offer of 42 billion VND (approximately 1.94 million euros).

“This is a huge amount of money, but we can arrange it. We can get money from tickets, advertising and broadcasting rights and so on,” said Trong Hy.

Despite the abundance in money offered, the Premier League titleholders have put many stipulations in the potential contract. Much of the details are reflected in the advertisement and sponsorship of the match. The Red Devils insist the stadium must have no advertisements, and the Vietnamese players must only wear a traditional jersey (with player name and number) and no brand logo - only the Vietnamese flag will do.

AC Milan, meanwhile, is much close to making the trip with negotiations at a reported 70%. “Everything is running well. If AC Milan agrees, the match between the national squad and AC Milan will be held in early September 2009,” added Trong Hy.