The VPF has made an unexpected decision regarding VAR in V.League 1

Hanoi, April 2, 2025 – The V-League Organizing Committee (VPF) has made a groundbreaking move by appointing a foreign referee to oversee video assistant referee (VAR) operations for the first time in Vietnam’s top club competition. In the upcoming Round 17 clash between Hanoi FC and Thanh Hoa on April 6, two FIFA-accredited Malaysian referees, Mohamad Kamil Zakaria Bin Ismail and Razlan Joffri Bin Ali, will officiate—one as the main referee and the other handling VAR duties.

Both referees bring prior V-League experience, having officiated matches in Vietnam’s premier league before. However, this marks a historic shift, as it’s the first instance of a foreign official managing VAR in a V-League game. Until now, Vietnamese referees exclusively handled VAR responsibilities since its introduction in late 2023. Initially limited to northern matches, the technology expanded southward in 2024, reflecting the VPF’s push to enhance officiating consistency across the league.

For the 2024/2025 season, VAR has become a fixture in most V-League fixtures and has even featured in select high-stakes National First Division games. The Hanoi FC vs. Thanh Hoa matchup—pitting the second-placed capital side (28 points) against a resurgent Thanh Hoa (24 points)—is a prime candidate for this milestone. Both teams have been involved in tight, contentious encounters this season, amplifying the need for precise officiating.

“This is a step forward for V-League’s credibility,” a VPF spokesperson said. “Foreign expertise in VAR can elevate fairness and reduce disputes.” Mohamad Kamil, known for his calm authority, will likely take the field, while Razlan Joffri, with a keen eye for detail, is tipped to oversee the VAR booth. Their involvement follows successful stints in ASEAN tournaments, including the 2024 ASEAN Cup, where they earned praise.

Introduced to curb errors in critical moments—like offside calls and penalties—VAR has sparked debate in Vietnam over its execution by local officials. Fans on X have lauded this move, with one post noting, “Foreign refs bring neutrality—long overdue.” As Hanoi FC eyes the title and Thanh Hoa pushes for a top-four finish, this historic VAR deployment could set a precedent for future V-League seasons.