On the morning of June 8, the practical operation of VAR technology for referees was organized by VPF and VFF under the supervision of FIFA representatives. The first Vietnamese referee team to practice VAR technology was main referee Hoang Ngoc Ha, 2 assistants Pham Hoai Tam and Nguyen Trung Hau. The 4th referee was Nguyen Trung Kien.

Referee Hoang Ngoc Ha talks with the VAR referee.

Supporting and running the practical session were former referee Vo Minh Tri - Member of the VFF Referee Board and "former yellow flag" Pham Manh Long. FIFA members directly supervised activities on the field and in the VAR car.

The 18 Vietnamese referees participating in the training were divided into 4 operating teams. The U17 Hanoi FC players were chosen as the "blue team" to simulate real situations. Mr. Vo Minh Tri was the one who directed the young players to execute the situations according to the requirements. In the first operating team, the U17 Hanoi FC players encountered many difficulties and at times could not adapt to the requirements.

Referee Hoang Ngoc Ha did not have much difficulty in making decisions regarding fouls in the penalty area, handballs or offsides. However, according to the actual situation, Mr. Ha consulted VAR when the ball entered the net but he suspected the goal scorer had made a mistake. From the VAR room, the referees informed referee Hoang Ngoc Ha via walkie-talkie.

According to FIFA advice, the referee is the only person who can communicate with the VAR room. Assistant referees are allowed to listen to any communication from the VAR room but are asked not to respond. In offside situations, the referee directly consults the image from the screen if he feels it is necessary.

On June 14, there will be a real match for referees to participate in operating VAR. This is an important step and will determine whether VAR will be applied in V-League 2023 or not.

Mai Phuong