Referees Ngô Duy Lân and Nguyễn Trung Hậu pass AFC VAR selection test

This achievement marks a positive step for Vietnamese referees in their participation in officiating continental competitions, while also affirming their professional development in the application of VAR technology.

The AFC Video Match Officials Selection 2026 program was held from 2 to 6 February 2026 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, with the aim of training, assessing and selecting Video Match Officials to serve in AFC competitions. During the program, participants attended a series of in-depth training sessions, including theoretical studies on VAR technology, analysis of key match situations, principles and criteria for VAR intervention, as well as methods of selecting appropriate camera angles to assist referees in making accurate decisions.

In addition to the theoretical component, participants also practiced using the VAR Simulator system with match-like scenarios designed to closely replicate real-game conditions. These exercises helped develop their skills in image analysis, incident assessment and decision-making. The program also included practical sessions simulating the full VAR operational process in a match-like environment, enhancing coordination between the VAR, AVAR and the on-field referee.

The training process further involved match situation analysis, interviews and comprehensive evaluations of each participant’s performance. Based on the overall assessment results, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) selected referees who met all required standards to join the pool of Video Match Officials serving AFC competitions.

The successful selection of referees Ngô Duy Lân and Nguyễn Trung Hậu into the VMO Panel 2026 not only recognizes their individual professional capabilities but also contributes to strengthening the position of Vietnamese refereeing within Asian football, while promoting greater accuracy and transparency in officiating decisions at international tournaments.