Opening of the 2nd Training Program for Referees Assessors and Referees of the 2025/26 National Professional Football Competitions

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Tran Anh Tu – VFF Vice President, Chairman of the VPF Board of Directors; Mr. Dang Thanh Ha – Head of the VFF Arbitration Committee ; Mr. Nguyen Minh Ngoc – VPF General Director, along with all 12 referee supervisors and 67 referees who will officiate in the 2025/26 National First Division and National Cup.

In his remarks, Mr. Tran Anh Tu – VFF Vice President and Chairman of the VPF Board of Directors – emphasized that this year’s training program continues to be organized in two phases. The first phase in Hanoi was dedicated to referees and officials working at the V.League and with VAR, while the second phase in Ho Chi Minh City focuses on referees and assessors for the remaining competitions. He noted that the number of referees eligible to officiate at the V.League, particularly VAR referees, is still limited, while the VPF will soon invest in an additional VAR vehicle. Therefore, the Organizing Committee has high expectations that the referees participating in this training course will further develop and be ready to supplement and strengthen the V.League officiating team.

VFF Vice President Tran Anh Tu also noted that in the context of increasing demands and the trend of international integration in Vietnamese football, referees, in addition to improving their professional expertise, should proactively enhance their English skills in order to seize opportunities and meet the requirements to officiate matches with VAR. He reminded that since VAR has not yet been applied in the National First Division, referees must be even more focused and diligent to ensure the quality of officiating. At the same time, referee assessors are expected to demonstrate fairness, responsibility, and provide support to help referees improve and minimize mistakes.

On behalf of VPF, Mr. Nguyen Minh Ngoc – General Director of VPF – stated that the training program has been adjusted by moving the fitness test to the final day, giving referees more time to prepare and fully update their knowledge before the assessment. Medical arrangements have also been carefully prepared with sufficient equipment and personnel to ensure the safety of all participants.

Mr. Nguyen Minh Ngoc emphasized that although the National First Division has not yet applied VAR, the organizers still provide complete reference materials so referees can actively study and familiarize themselves with the system. Those referees who meet the requirements will be selected to attend specialized VAR training courses, with the aim of strengthening the pool of officials for the V.League in the near future.

The second training program is considered an important preparation, helping referee assessors and referees consolidate their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and be ready to successfully fulfill their duties at the 2025/26 National First Division and National Cup, while also preparing a supplementary pool of officials for the V.League in the coming seasons.