The First Division is about to undergo a historic change related to referees.

The Referee Board is exploring the potential application of video support technology (Video Support – VS) in the First Division.

On the afternoon of March 30th, at the Thống Nhất Sports Hall (Ho Chi Minh City), the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) collaborated with the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) to launch the second mid-season training session for referee supervisors and referees of the national professional football leagues for the 2025/26 season.

The training session gathered 11 referee supervisors, 38 main referees, and 28 assistant referees currently officiating in the National First Division 2025/2026, along with some referees involved in managing matches in the V.League 1 2025/2026.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Head of the VFF Referee Board Đặng Thanh Hạ emphasized the role and significance of the mid-season training session, while also requiring referees and assistant referees to maximize their time to accumulate experience, improve professional skills, and minimize errors during their duties.

The Head of the Referee Board noted that each individual needs to proactively assess the overall situation of refereeing work to establish a clear career development direction, as well as regularly self-reflect after each incident and each match to improve themselves.

Mr. Đặng Thanh Hạ also added that the training session is an important opportunity to evaluate the achievements and shortcomings of the recent period, thereby enhancing the quality of officiating for the remainder of the season. Notably, one of the key criteria for participating in VAR training next season is that referees must obtain an A2 level English certificate.

Furthermore, the Referee Board is also researching the possibility of applying video support technology (Video Support – VS) in the First Division, similar to futsal, to assist referees in evaluating sensitive situations when technical conditions permit.

The training session runs from March 30th to April 2nd. The program content focuses on reviewing supervision and match management work through practical experience and video analysis of incidents. Alongside theoretical lessons and professional discussions, referees and assistant referees also participate in training and physical fitness tests according to standards. According to regulations, only referees and assistant referees who pass the physical fitness test are eligible to be assigned duties in the national professional football leagues for 2025/2026.

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