The HCM City-based football club was accused did not make enough effort in their 19th-round match against Kien Giang last weekend.— Photo qdnd

HCM CITY (VNS) —V-League club Xuan Thanh Sai Gon (XTSG) have been dealt a crushing blow to their survival hopes after the Viet Nam Football Federation deducted them four points for "lack of effort" in a recent encounter.

The HCM City-based football club was accused did not make enough effort in their 19th-round match against Kien Giang last weekend.

The Disciplinary Committee confirmed that XTSG had fielded a squad featuring many young players and played well below their capacity, especially in defence.

The deduction means XTSG now slip to second place from bottom. They were only just four points ahead of relegated Kien Giang with two games remaining. — VNS