AFC makes a crucial decision regarding the Vietnam vs Malaysia national team match.

Korean referee Chae Sang-hyeop will officiate the Vietnam vs Malaysia match, noted for his strict style and frequent card issuance.

The rematch between Vietnam and Malaysia in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers will be officiated by a refereeing team from Korea, with the most notable name being the main referee Chae Sang-hyeop. Having an experienced "black-clad king" referee promises to significantly influence the dynamics of this crucial match.

According to AFC's assignment, his assistants are Yoon Jae-yeol and Bang Gi-yeol, while the fourth official is Torphong Somsing. The entire officiating team are experienced international figures who have served in many major regional and continental tournaments.

Born in 1989, Chae Sang-hyeop is not an unfamiliar name in Vietnamese football. He has frequently appeared in V-League as well as regional club competitions. Notably, this referee has participated as VAR in the match between Hanoi Police Club and Hanoi FC, showing familiarity with the domestic football environment.

His most recent assignment in Vietnam was the match between Hanoi Police Club and Tampines Rovers in the Southeast Asian Champions Cup. Regular assignments to matches involving Vietnamese elements demonstrate AFC's trust in the professional capability of this 37-year-old referee.

Statistics from the 2025/26 season also reveal Chae Sang-hyeop's rather strict refereeing style. Over 7 matches across various competitions like K-League, AFC Champions League Two, and the Asian U23 qualifiers, he issued 22 yellow cards, 2 red cards, and awarded 3 penalties – numbers reflecting a decisive handling tendency.

With a referee dubbed the "card king" and possessing extensive experience, the match between Vietnam and Malaysia at Thiên Trường Stadium on March 31 is predicted to be tense and disciplined. Chae Sang-hyeop's officiating style could become a key factor, forcing both teams to be particularly cautious in every play.