Football 

HÀ NỘI — The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has decided to implement Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology in its upcoming competitions after successfully introducing it at the recently concluded ASEAN U16 Boys’ Championship in Solo, Indonesia.

The three next events will be the ASEAN U19 Boys Championship from July 17 to 29, the ASEAN Club Championship Shopee Cup from August 21 to May 21 and the ASEAN Mitsubishi Electric Cup from November 23 to December 21.

“The AFF believes VAR is reshaping football and has become one of the most pivotal building blocks that will raise our competitions to another level,” AFF President Major General Khiev Sameth was quoted as saying on aseanfootball.org.

“The adoption of this technology in the ASEAN Boys’ U16 Championship in Solo, Indonesia, is in line with the AFF’s planned and sustained efforts to elevate our competitions including providing the best possible support for referees to enable them to make accurate, consistent and informed decisions.

“I am reflecting the appreciation of the AFF Council by expressing my gratitude to FIFA, AFC, Mr Erick Thohir and his colleagues in PSSI for the immense assistance rendered in the implementation of VAR at the ASEAN U16 Boys’ Championship 2024.

“Additionally, I would like to thank the VAR Project Team chaired by Mr Viphet Sihachakr, AFF General Secretary, Mr Winston Lee as well as Mr Rodzali Yacob and his team of referees for their relentless efforts during the implementation process.”

Currently in the ASEAN region, there are only three countries that officially apply VAR in domestic leagues, including Thailand, Singapore, and Việt Nam. Malaysia and Indonesia are expected to apply VAR in matches next season.

At the U19 Boys Championship in Indonesia, Việt Nam are in Group B with Laos, Myanmar and Australia. Group A gathers Indonesia, the Philippines, Timor Leste and Cambodia. Group C features Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore and Brunei.

After the round-robin format group stage, each group's top team and one best second-placed side will qualify for the semi-finals.

At the Club Championship, Việt Nam's National Cup winner Đông Á Thanh Hóa are in Group A with Pathum United FC (Thailand), Terengganu FC (Malaysia), PSM Makassar FC (Indonesia) and a team which win play-off round.

Hà Nội Police, the 2023 V.League 1 champions are in Group B with Buriram United FC (Thailand), Kuala Lumpur City FC (Malaysia), Borneo FC Samarinda (Indonesia), Kaya FC – Iioilo (Philippines) and Lion City Sailors FC (Singapore).

Top two teams of each group will enter semi-finals.

As a result of the Mitsubishi Electric Cup's draw, the Việt Nam are in Group B along with Indonesia, Philippines, Indonesia and Laos. Group A will see a race between Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the play-off between Timor Leste and Brunei.

The top two finishers in each group will advance to home-and-away semi-finals. VNS