Hoàng Vũ Samson of Quảng Nam (left) vies for a ball against Nguyễn Hữu Tuấn of HCM City during their V.League 1 match on August 10. The match saw a controversial decision by Nguyễn Đình Thái when he gave the hosts a penalty. Photo courtesy of VPF

Football

HÀ NỘI — The video assistant referee (VAR) will not be used in the V.League 1 this season because of a FIFA rule change.

Early this year, Trần Anh Tú, chairman of the Việt Nam Professional Football (VPF) company's board of directors, announced the technology would be used in Việt Nam to ensure the fairness of matches, especially towards the end of the season.

However Tú recently confirmed that VAR application will be delayed despite many complaints about the quality of referees and, at times, their controversial decisions.

“It is because FIFA has changed their policies of supervision, management and license for the use of VAR,” said Tú.

“Previously we just had to work with FIFA’s recognised partners for applying, then FIFA will come to take over. Now, they will take charge from the beginning. Recently Thailand and Indonesia also paused using VAR as FIFA wanted to re-evaluate it,” he said.

According to Tú, Thai football officials told him about many problems when using VAR, as teams demanded VAR reviews for many decisions, holding up play.

“VAR equipment has been ready in Việt Nam. We're just waiting for FIFA’s approval.” he said.

However, Việt Nam’s VAR officials have not been trained on the new technology.

The national premier league is close to the end, with only six rounds of fixtures left.

Defending champions Hà Nội FC are on top with 40 points, with HCM City and Quàng Ninh in second and third, respectively.

The VPF, which manages local tournaments, plans to invite foreign referees to officiate the last two rounds of fixtures in October. VNS