V.League 1 is professionally organised, with high quality. — Photo VPF

Football

HÀ NỘI — The Việt Nam Football Federation (VFF) is actively organising and managing both professional and non-professional football tournaments to strengthen the foundation of Vietnamese football.

In recent years, Vietnamese football teams have achieved remarkable success in continental and regional competitions. Notably, the U23 Vietnamese team emerged victorious in the 2023 AFF U23 Championship, while the women's team participated in the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023.

To attain these accomplishments, the VFF has prioritised the development of teams through the systematic organisation of high-quality professional and non-professional tournaments. The non-professional tournament structure consists of the First Division, Second Division and Third Division, as well as stable youth tournaments for U21, U19, and U17 players. These tournaments are strategically scheduled in alignment with the national team's plans, ensuring a year-round competition programme that facilitates player selection.

Additionally, the VFF arranges numerous friendly matches and qualifying rounds for AFC tournaments, creating good opportunities for national youth teams to compete in Asian tournaments' final stages.

Meanwhile, professional football tournaments are conducted in a safe, flexible, and adaptable manner, taking into account the prevailing conditions. The professional quality of these tournaments continues to improve, featuring many captivating matches. Professional tournaments serve as a direct training ground for the national team, providing a basis for coaching staff to select players for training sessions.

During recent national team gatherings, coach Philippe Troussier gave opportunities to players who have excelled in the V.League 1 and even the V.League 2. This approach further motivates players to perform well for their respective clubs.

Starting from the 2023 season, the Việt Nam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) and FPT Corporation have officially signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The objective is to gradually elevate Vietnamese football to international standards, promote the development and commercial exploitation of national professional football tournaments across multiple platforms, and create favourable conditions for tournament growth.

FIFA has confirmed that 18 Vietnamese referees and assistant referees have successfully completed the training course, meeting the requirements of FIFA's VAR referee standards.

On July 27, 2023, VAR technology was officially introduced for the first time during the match between Viettel Club and Hồng Lĩnh Hà Tĩnh Club in the V.League 1. Throughout the 2023 season, a total of five matches applied VAR technology.

This represents a significant milestone for Vietnamese football, highlighting its integration and professional development. The introduction of VAR technology has effectively supported referee management, improved tournament quality, and reduced referee errors. — VNS