In a move that highlights growing concerns over fairness in the V-League, Quang Nam FC has formally requested that the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) refrain from assigning FIFA referee Nguyen Manh Hai to officiate their matches for the remainder of the 2024/25 season.
On the morning of February 20, Quang Nam sent an official letter to the VFF, the Referee Committee, and the Disciplinary Committee, outlining their proposal. The club’s main argument centers on the fact that Nguyen Manh Hai hails from Hai Phong—a city whose team, Hai Phong FC, currently sits in second-to-last place on the league table with 11 points after 13 rounds. Quang Nam believes that by removing referees from provinces with teams fighting relegation, such as Hai Phong, the VFF can help ensure a higher level of impartiality in match officiating.
The controversy surrounding referee Nguyen Manh Hai was further fueled by events in a recent match between Quang Nam and Song Lam Nghe An in Round 8. In that game, Nguyen Manh Hai initially awarded a penalty to Quang Nam after a collision between SLNA’s defender and Ngan Van Dai, who was seen falling in the penalty area. However, after reviewing the incident with VAR, the referee reversed his decision and refused to call the penalty. This reversal not only altered the course of the match but also raised serious questions regarding the consistency and objectivity of the officiating. Quang Nam’s decision to request his removal for the remainder of the season reflects broader concerns over biased decisions, particularly when the referee’s regional affiliation may influence crucial match outcomes.
Adding to the turbulent atmosphere, Quang Nam’s head coach, Van Sy Son, recently faced heavy sanctions for his reaction to the refereeing decisions. His punishment, which many observers have labeled excessively harsh, has only amplified the discontent among teams and supporters alike. The incident has been cited as a symptom of the larger issue of escalating tensions in the V-League, where emotions run high and disciplinary measures are increasingly coming into play. In fact, recent reports indicate that in the last nine matches, a record seven coaches and club officials have been penalized for their reactions toward referees. This surge in disciplinary actions points to an environment where frustration with officiating is not isolated but part of a growing trend that could impact the integrity of the league.
The unfolding situation has sparked widespread debate among fans, pundits, and football stakeholders about the need for a more transparent and unbiased refereeing system. With accusations of partiality and a rising number of on-field incidents related to contentious refereeing decisions, the VFF now faces mounting pressure to review and possibly reform its referee assignment process. The proposal from Quang Nam is seen as a call for fairness—a plea to ensure that teams competing for survival are not inadvertently disadvantaged by decisions influenced by regional affiliations.
As the season progresses, the outcome of this request remains uncertain, but it underscores a pivotal moment in Vietnamese football. The hope is that by addressing these concerns, the VFF will help restore confidence in the league’s officiating and create a more level playing field for all clubs involved.
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