VFF President tells referees to monitor themselves more seriously

(Dan Tri) - On the afternoon of August 6, the closing ceremony of the training program for referee supervisors and referees of national professional football tournaments for the 2025-26 season took place at the VFF headquarters.

Reporting at the ceremony, Mr. Dang Thanh Ha - Head of the VFF Referee Board said that this year's training program will take place from August 2 to August 6, with the following contents: physical fitness test according to FIFA standards, updating new competition rules, evaluating and drawing experience from the previous season's management, and field situation exercises.

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan awarded certificates of training completion to supervisors and referees (Photo: VFF).

A total of 58 referees and assistant referees, along with 14 referee supervisors, completed the entire training program. In addition, the Referee Board also recorded 7 cases of failing to meet the physical requirements - a mandatory factor to perform duties in the new season.

During the technical discussion, the supervisors and referees analyzed and handled real-life situations on the field, exchanged experiences, and improved their match management skills. The latest FIFA competition rules applicable to the 2025-26 season were also fully updated.

Speaking at the closing ceremony, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan acknowledged and highly appreciated the sense of responsibility and seriousness of the supervisors and referees throughout the training program. At the same time, he emphasized that the 2025-26 season is expected to be very competitive and stressful.

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan speaks at the closing ceremony (Photo: VFF).

Therefore, referees need to maintain their composure and maintain a stable physical foundation regularly and continuously. Scientific living and training, listening to the body to prevent risks are essential requirements, not only to ensure the quality of match management but also a responsibility to themselves and their colleagues.

Chairman Tran Quoc Tuan shared: "While on a business trip in China, I was shocked and saddened to hear about the unexpected incident of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. I am very sorry that we have lost a friend and a talented colleague of the federation.

This is a big disadvantage for Vietnamese referees and Vietnamese football. Through this, referees also need to be well prepared and monitor themselves more seriously in this special job. This is a warning not only for referees but also for players participating in the national championship. Let's listen to our bodies."

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan requested that referees seriously learn from the mistakes that occurred last season, not to let them happen again. At the same time, they should maximize their capacity, maintain their image and professionalism in each match. Regarding the supervisory force, VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan requested that they promote an exemplary role, maintain discipline and ensure professional quality in the work of supervising and evaluating referees.

The organizing committee observed a minute of silence for referee Tran Dinh Thinh (Photo: VFF).

At the closing ceremony, the Organizing Committee held a minute of silence to remember referee Tran Dinh Thinh - who suddenly passed away during a physical test at the training program on the morning of August 3.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh, born in 1982 in Dong Nai , has many years of experience in running national professional football tournaments. He was awarded the title of “Bronze Whistle” and “Silver Whistle” - in recognition of his quiet but persistent contributions to the refereeing profession. His passing at the age of 43 left a deep sorrow for the Vietnamese football community in general and the refereeing force in particular.

With a serious training spirit, in-depth content and thorough preparation, the supervisory and referee force completing this year's program is ready to embark on their tasks, determined to perform well their roles and responsibilities, contributing significantly to the overall success of the national professional football tournaments in the 2025-26 season.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/chu-tich-vff-nhan-nhu-cac-trong-tai-giam-sat-ban-than-nghiem-tuc-hon-20250806171016100.htm