HA NOI (VNS) — Hoang Anh Gia Lai's (HAGL's) striker Nguyen Cong Phuong has been found guilty of violating the national team's trade rights after he wore the team's jersey during a beer commercial.

The Viet Nam Football Federation (VFF) confirmed this development.

According to Nguyen Minh Chau, deputy general secretary of the VFF, every national footballer has the right to sign an advertising contract with any enterprises, but only in an individual capacity.

"In case a footballer uses an image related to the national team, he needs to have an agreement with VFF. So Phuong broke the VFF's rule," said Chau.

The VFF will be sending an official dispatch to the 20-year-old player and the advertising unit soon.

Born in the central province of Nghe An, Phuong won the Best Player prize at the ASEAN Youth Football Championship for the 2014 Hassanal Bolkiah Trophy in Brunei. He has also played a key role in Viet Nam's performance during different international tournaments, as well as during training courses abroad.

He is currently playing for HAGL in the national premier league. — VNS