The Viet Nam Football Federation announced a shortlist of five candidates for the Golden Whistle award on Tuesday for the 2011-12 season.

Vu Bao Linh, Phung Dinh Dung, Nguyen Duc Vu, Vo Quang Vinh and Nguyen Trong Thu were named for their commitment to fair-play and the national leagues.

Vinh, from Khanh Hoa Province, is favourite to win the title for the second time in a row after a near flawless season.

In the race for the Golden Flag prize, referee's assistants Nguyen Phong Vu, Pham Manh Long, Nguyen Hoang Minh, Chau Duc Thanh and Nguyen Truong Xuan have been shortlisted.

Last year's winner Nguyen Ngoc Ha was not included on the list due to personal reasons.

Football experts and reporters will vote for the winners, who will be announced on September 7.-VNS