Vietnam-based outlet AsiaSport Vietnam has highlighted a compelling interview with Ha Hyok Jun, the South Korean head coach of the Laos national team, shedding light on the harsh realities faced by Lao footballers — where survival often outweighs the dream of representing the nation.
In a brutally honest account, Coach Ha explained why some Lao players are forced to turn down national team call-ups in order to work.
“Lao footballers decide not to join the national team because they have to work. This is the pain of being a footballer in poverty.”
According to Ha, players in the Lao domestic league earn around USD100 per month, an amount far from sufficient to cover basic living expenses. Meanwhile, national team allowances stand at just USD10 per day, a figure he said is “not even enough to buy a pair of football boots.”
Crucially, Ha stressed that these players are not abandoning their country.
“They are simply forced to choose work to support their families.”
Laos’ domestic league consists of only 10 semi-professional teams, many of which lack qualified professional coaches. Long-term training plans — including preparations for major events like the SEA Games — have reportedly been rejected due to financial constraints.
In an effort to ease the burden, Coach Ha proposed increasing the national team allowance to USD20 per day, a request that was eventually approved by the Lao Football Federation.
“It’s not a large amount, but it’s a meaningful step forward for Lao football,” he said.
The Korean tactician added that in an environment where players must juggle football with side jobs just to survive, even a single victory can offer hope and inspiration — not only to fans, but to the next generation of athletes.
“One win alone can give belief to supporters and future players,” Ha concluded.
This interview also helps explain a long-standing trend in Lao football — why most senior national teams are filled with young, emerging players, only for many to disappear once they reach their prime years.
Without opportunities to break into fully professional leagues in countries such as Thailand or Vietnam, many players are eventually forced to step away from football altogether, replaced by a new wave of youngsters facing the same uphill struggle.
