Coach Popov has a forgettable statistic after 3 years in the V-League.

Coach Velizar Popov received a total of 2 red cards and 13 yellow cards over more than 3 years of coaching in the V-League.

Coach Velizar Popov continues to be a focal point of attention in the V-League 2025/26 following a new penalty from the VFF Disciplinary Committee, thereby extending a series of incidents related to off-field behavior. Statistics show that the Bulgarian strategist has received as many as 2 red cards and 13 yellow cards in just over 3 years working in Vietnam.

Recently, on April 14, the VFF Disciplinary Committee decided to impose a fine of 20 million VND and a 4-match coaching ban on Coach Popov of The Cong Viettel Club. The penalty stems from reactions deemed excessive towards the referee and match organization in the final minutes of the encounter between The Cong Viettel and Thanh Hoa in round 18 of the V-League 2025/26.

According to VFF, the disciplinary measure was issued based on regulations under Clause 1, Article 58 of the Disciplinary Regulations, while also considering the factor of recurrence by this coach. This indicates that it is not the first time Mr. Popov has been involved in penalties related to behavior beyond pure professional conduct.

Since working in the V-League from 2022, Coach Popov has made a strong mark in terms of achievements, helping Thanh Hoa win 3 major titles including the National Cup 2023, the National Cup 2023/24, and the National Super Cup 2023. However, alongside the success is the image of a coach with a strong personality who frequently reacts sharply on the field.

Throughout his tenure coaching Thanh Hoa and The Cong Viettel, Mr. Popov has repeatedly been carded by referees and penalized retroactively by the VFF Disciplinary Committee. In total, the 50-year-old tactician has received 2 red cards and 13 yellow cards, a figure among the highest among coaches who have worked in the V-League.

Coach Popov being banned from coaching for 4 of the remaining 8 rounds of the 2025/26 season is assessed as a significant loss for The Cong Viettel in the championship race. The military-backed club is currently chasing the leading group and greatly needs stability on the coaching bench during the crucial phase of the season.