The Viet Nam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) yesterday signed a deal with Koji Tanaka, who will head the V-League's managing board this season.

The one-year contract contains provisions for the Japanese man to study the domestic premier league for two weeks and will officially work since the eighth round of the tournament on March 11.

The contract is extendable depending on Tanaka's performance. His salary was not made public.

VPF executive director Tran Duy Ly will be Tanaka's assistant in the role.

Tanaka will travel to Quang Ninh Province this weekend to watch the squad play former champions Hoang Anh Gia Lai.

Tanaka, 59, was Japanese national team member in 1984-86. He later became a commentator and also managed several youth football academies. — VNS