Vinh, 29 June, 2025 – After officiating the 2024-2025 V.League promotion play-off, two Malaysian referees will travel to Nghe An to oversee the National Cup final between Song Lam Nghe An and Hanoi Police FC, scheduled for 6:00 PM on June 29 at Vinh Stadium.
FIFA referee Razlan Joffri Bin Ali and assistant referee Muhammad Usaid Bin Jamal have been assigned to officiate the highly anticipated final. Just two days prior, referee Ali was in charge of the promotion play-off between Binh Phuoc and Da Nang at Thong Nhat Stadium on June 27.
In that match, referee Ali awarded Binh Phuoc a penalty, but striker Cong Phuong failed to convert from the spot as his effort was saved by goalkeeper Bui Tien Dung. Da Nang went on to win the match 2-0 and secured their place in the V.League 2025/2026.
Meanwhile, referee Jamal served as a VAR official in the same match, working alongside Vietnamese FIFA referee Le Vu Linh. For the National Cup final, it is expected that Jamal will take on the role of main referee, while Ali will switch to oversee the VAR system.
The decision to appoint foreign referees for high-stakes matches in Vietnam’s professional football leagues is a measure to reduce controversy and psychological pressure on domestic teams. Although foreign referees may still make debatable calls, their presence is perceived as more neutral, helping to minimize perceptions of bias or favoritism.
This strategy has been employed across several seasons and continues to be considered optimal for matches where the stakes are high and emotions run deep.
Song Lam Nghe An will enjoy the home advantage at Vinh Stadium in this final clash. In their last two encounters, Hanoi Police FC were held to 1-1 draws by the Nghe An side, failing to secure a victory.
With both teams eager to close the season with silverware, and top-level officiating in place, the National Cup final promises to be a dramatic and fiercely contested showdown.
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