Referee Tran Dinh Thinh used to be a FIFA-level referee.

During his lifetime, referee Tran Dinh Thinh had the honor of being recognized by FIFA as an international referee in 2019 and 2020.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh met FIFA standards in 2019 and 2020 - Photo: NGOC LE

According to statistics on Transfermarkt , referee Tran Dinh Thinh was a FIFA referee in 2019 and 2020.

Being recognized by FIFA as an international standard referee is a great honor for Vietnamese referees. Because to reach FIFA level, referees must undergo many rigorous tests, from physical strength, professional knowledge, to decision-making ability and practical skills on the field.

Not only that, FIFA referees must also be proficient in English to be assigned to participate in international matches.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was born in 1982, from Dong Nai. He passed away in the early morning of August 4 in Hanoi, at the age of 43. His family and the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) are currently taking him from Hanoi to his hometown in Dong Nai on a medical vehicle.

During his lifetime, referee Tran Dinh Thinh was known as one of the most professional referees in Vietnam. This was evidenced by his winning the V-League 2023-2024 Bronze Whistle and V-League 2024-2025 Silver Whistle titles.

Although some mistakes are inevitable, referee Thinh's ability and reputation have been recognized by the Referee Board of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF).

Officially refereeing V-League since 2015, up to now 10 years, many seasons referee Thinh is often assigned to referee important matches, which have key meanings and decide the fate of the teams.

In addition to refereeing, referee Tran Dinh Thinh also works as a physical education teacher at a secondary school in his hometown. In real life, he is a cheerful, sociable, straightforward person, respected by many colleagues.

The sudden passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh left irreparable pain for his family and endless regret for the country's football.

Previously, referee Tran Dinh Thinh fainted while performing a physical test on the morning of August 3 to prepare for the 2025-2026 season of Vietnamese professional football. He was taken to the emergency room but did not survive.

This physical test is mandatory under FIFA regulations. Only referees who pass the physical and technical tests will be assigned to officiate during the season.

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NGOC LE

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-tung-mang-dang-cap-fifa-20250804074614967.htm