Job hunting? Viet Nam's coach Falko Goetz could be leaving his post following a meeting of the Viet Nam Football Federation's Executive Board. — VNS Photo Quang Thang

HA NOI — General Secretary Tran Quoc Tuan is set to stay on in his current position after meeting with the Viet Nam Football Federation's executive board in the capital on Thursday.

At Thursday's meeting, VFF members agreed that team coach Falko Goetz would have to take responsibility for his team's bad performance at the Indonesian 26th SEA Games.

They pointed out the German coach's limits, saying that he had introduced an unsuitable playing style while failing to use the right players and create stability within the team.

Following the Games in November, the VFF had initially wanted to give Goetz another chance to work in Viet Nam before starting discussions on ending his contract.

Tuan wanted to resign after suffering heavy pressure following Viet Nam's under-23 loss.

However, his resignation was not accepted following VFF members saying the national defeat was not his responsibility alone.

"General Secretary Tuan sent us his letter upon which we met and concluded that the football team's result had failed to meet the demand of fans," VFF chairman Nguyen Trong Hy said.

"After the loss to Myanmar in the third-place playoff match, Tuan apologised on the VFF website. However, according to the VFF, the whole football delegation had to take responsibility," he said, adding that the VFF's decision would be reported to the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

"I'm moved by the VFF's trust in me despite the pressure I've been under," Tuan said.

"I will continually strive to better contribute to Viet Nam's football," he added. — VNS