Football

Nam Định will host Thanh Hóa in the National Super Cup match 2023-24 on August 31 at their home Thiên Trường Stadium. The match will be officiated by a foreign referee for the first time. Photo of Thép Xanh Nam Định FC

HÀ NỘI The National Super Cup match 2023-24, on August 31, will be supervised by a foreign referee for the first time in history.

Malaysian Muhammad Nazmi bin Nasaruddin will take charge, judging the game between V-League 1 champion Thép Xanh Nam Định and National Cup winner Đông Á Thanh Hóa at the Thiên Trường Stadium in Nam Định Province.

Nasaruddin is a familiar face for Vietnamese players and supporters as he used to work at the V.League 1. He also officiated matches of Việt Nam national teams against Iraq at the 2024 Asian Cup's group round, was the referee at a friendly match versus Borussia Dortmund in 2022, and against the Philippines in the semi-finals of the 2018 AFF Cup.

Muhammad Nazmi bin Nasaruddin will referee the 2023-34 National Super Cup match between Nam Định and Thanh Hóa.

According to the Việt Nam Professional Football Company (VPF), the video assistant referee system (VAR) will be used at the match.

"We believe that using VAR in the National Super Cup match would help ensure the expertise of the game," said a representative of the VPF.

"From next season, the organising committee will also research and make changes to improve the quality of the match, a clash of two strongest Vietnamese football clubs."

Nam Định are considered a stronger side and will have home ground advantage, but they have not won any Super Cup match.

Meanwhile Thanh Hóa have twice lifted the trophy in 2009 beating SHB Đà Nẵng 4-3 after penalty kicks and in 2023 winning 3-1 over Hà Nội Police.

Highest quality standard

Phùng Công Sưởng, the Tiền Phong newspaper editor-in-chief and head of the Super Cup match organising committee, promised that the match would be a quality game.

“Nam Định and Thanh Hóa both performed excellently to take their titles. We believe that with force and high determination, the two teams will create a competitive performance in Thiên Trường, satisfying the football passion of fans nationwide," said Sưởng.

"More than just a match, the Super Cup is the opener of a new season. Both sides want to show their spirit and strength to create a good start and aim for a high number of goals in the year."

Sưởng said the match was always well supported by the community, creating high pressure on the organisers to lift the standards for better game.

After 25 years, the National Super Cup has been improved both in terms of professionalism and organisation, giving teams the best playing conditions and the fans the best experience.

Đông Á Thanh Hóa players seen in training. They will travel to Nam Định for the National Super Cup on August 31. Photo of Đông Á Thanh Hóa FC

Sưởng said the Super Cup matches have been held in different localities, with different backgrounds, but always ensured the best and most professional game including in terms of the facilities and refereeing conditions.

"For the upcoming match, we will work with media to deliver the best images and updated information to football lovers. Each season, we always set new targets, doing everything possible to meet the highest demands of the most demanding fans," Sưởng said.

He added that while attending the game, supporters would have opportunities to enjoy a unique cultural experience in Nam Định.

"Nam Định has a lot to explore, from tourism, culture to cuisine, in addition to pre- and mid-match art shows. We want to spread the good values ​​of tradition, history, culture and sports, while contributing to the development of local economy and tourism." VNS