Opening ceremony of the first phase of the mid-season training course for referee assessors and referees of the 2025/26 National Professional Football Championships
On the afternoon of January 26, the opening ceremony of the first phase of the mid-season training course for referee assessors and referees of the 2025/26 National Professional Football Championships took place at the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF). The programme was jointly organised by the VFF and the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF).
02/02/2026 17:33:31
Attending the opening ceremony on behalf of the VFF were Mr Nguyen Quoc Hoi – Standing Member of the VFF Executive Committee; Mr Nguyen Van Phu – VFF General Secretary and Head of the training programme’s Organising Committee; and Mr Nguyen Minh Chau – VFF Deputy General Secretary. Representing VPF were Mr Nguyen Minh Ngoc – General Director, and Mr Vo Van Hung – Deputy General Director. From the VFF Referees Committee were Mr Dang Thanh Ha – Chairman of the Referees Committee, along with committee members, the programme’s organising staff, and a total of 14 referee assessors, 31 referees and 26 assistant referees currently officiating in the V.League 1 National Championship.
The training programme was held to review refereeing and match assessment work during the first half of the 2025/26 season; to unify approaches in handling typical situations that arose; to further provide professional training and updates, and to conduct theoretical and fitness tests to evaluate the readiness of referee assessors and referees ahead of the second half of the season.
Delivering directives at the opening ceremony on behalf of the VFF Executive Committee’s Standing Board, Mr Nguyen Quoc Hoi – Standing Member of the VFF Executive Committee – stressed that this was an important professional activity held mid-season to review and objectively assess the work of referee assessors and referees during the first half of the 2025/26 season, while also ensuring better preparation for the second half, when competition, pressure and professional demands are expected to increase.
Mr Nguyen Quoc Hoi called on all participating referee assessors and referees to uphold a strong sense of responsibility, engage in frank discussions and actively absorb the training content, considering it an important opportunity for self-assessment and professional improvement. “The VFF has always regarded match assessment and refereeing as a key factor in ensuring fairness, transparency and the reputation of the competition. Every decision and every professional act by referee assessors and referees has a direct impact on the trust of clubs, players and fans,” Mr Nguyen Quoc Hoi emphasised.
Representing the VFF Referees Committee, Mr Dang Thanh Ha stated that holding a mid-season training course is a standard professional practice, helping referee assessors and referees review the overall officiating work after 11 rounds of the first half of the season, analyse remaining issues, and unify the application of the Laws of the Game and FIFA guidelines, thereby improving officiating quality for the remainder of the season.
Speaking to the press on the sidelines of the ceremony, Referees Committee Chairman Dang Thanh Ha assessed that refereeing across the 11 rounds of the first half generally met requirements; however, there were still situations that needed further review, especially decisions involving VAR intervention. The Referees Committee will focus on in-depth analysis of controversial incidents, while also emphasising player protection and strict handling of on-field violence as well as negative reactions towards referees, in order to uphold the professional image of the competitions.
According to the plan, the first phase of the training programme will conclude on January 29. Referees who meet the required standards will continue to be appointed to officiate V.League 1 matches, with Round 12 set to kick off on January 30.
It is expected that the second phase of the training programme for referee assessors and referees officiating the National First Division will be held in March 2026 in Ho Chi Minh City.
