Referee Tran Dinh Thinh during his time as a referee in V-League - Photo: NGOC LE
Previously, as reported by Tuoi Tre Online , in the early morning of August 4, referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away at Bach Mai Hospital ( Hanoi ). He did not survive after fainting on the morning of August 3 while performing a physical test before the 2025-2026 Vietnamese professional football season.
VFF made a statement immediately after the painful passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh.
First aid for referee Tran Dinh Thinh at the scene of the incident
VFF press release issued at 2:45 a.m. on August 4 said:
"On the morning of August 3, during a physical examination, within the framework of the training program for supervisors and referees of national professional football tournaments in the 2025-2026 season, an unfortunate incident occurred when referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly had a serious health problem and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Specifically, during the physical examination according to FIFA standards, referee Tran Dinh Thinh showed signs of instability and could not continue the test. With the preparation and arrangement of full-time professional forces from medical work, emergency teams on the field and specialized ambulances with full equipment, they immediately carried out emergency measures, supported breathing and circulation and quickly transferred the referee to the hospital by ambulance for further treatment.
Representatives of VFF, VPF Company and the Referee Board were present at the hospital to directly monitor and coordinate in the treatment.
However, despite the efforts and dedication of the doctors and medical team to save him, what everyone wanted did not happen and referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away at the age of 43, while still carrying within him the spirit of attachment and dedication to national professional tournaments with all his heart and responsibility."
FIFA mandatory test content
Regarding the physical fitness test of referees in the training program, VFF said that this is a mandatory test according to FIFA regulations to assess their ability to undertake tasks in national professional football tournaments in the 2025-2026 season.
Recently, the medical work for football activities has been given special attention by VFF. Therefore, the plan to organize physical examinations has been carefully prepared by VFF and the Training Organizing Committee many weeks in advance. Referees were also informed of the training schedule 1 month in advance to have time to prepare their physical strength.
The inspection time was arranged in the morning to avoid the hot weather in recent days, creating the most favorable conditions for the referees. Medical work was deployed synchronously with 4 ambulances and 4 medical teams on duty at the inspection point.
In addition, all participating referees must complete a health examination according to Circular 32/2023/TT-BYT.
VFF said that this heartbreaking incident is an experience for all members participating in the tournament, including the referee force, to pay close attention and always see that in physical activities there is always a potential risk factor for cardiovascular disease even when there are no warning signs that we know in advance.
Therefore, it is necessary to always pay attention to the smallest changes in health to ensure safety during exercise.
VFF and VPF will continue to promote all activities in the health monitoring process, guide and strengthen medical work, and advise on physical preparation for referees in preparation for the new season.
Referee Tran Dinh Thinh (left cover) received the Silver Whistle award of V-League 2024-2025 - Photo: NGOC LE
Taking care of the funeral of referee Tran Dinh Thinh
Regarding the sudden passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh, Mr. Nguyen Van Phu - General Secretary of VFF shared: "This is a great loss for Vietnamese football, especially for the national referee force. Referee Tran Dinh Thinh is not only a professional referee, serious in his work, but also a person who is loved by all his colleagues.
His passing leaves a huge void and unspeakable pain. On behalf of VFF and the training program organizers, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the family, relatives and colleagues of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. VFF will coordinate with VPF Company to organize the most solemn and meaningful funeral."
For his part, VFF Vice President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of VPF Company - Mr. Tran Anh Tu said: "I am truly shocked and heartbroken by the passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. He is an experienced referee, has many contributions and has been honored at prestigious professional awards of V-League.
We always appreciate the dedication and professionalism of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. This is a great loss for the Vietnamese referee team. VFF and VPF Company would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and will work with his relatives to take care of the funeral of referee Tran Dinh Thinh with all our condolences and respect."
VFF and VPF Company send their deepest condolences to the family of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. At the same time, they said they will work with the family to take care of the funeral, as a way of gratitude and recognition of referee Tran Dinh Thinh's contributions to national football.
Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was born in 1982 in Dong Nai , and started his refereeing journey in 2010. He is a familiar face in the V-League, having been awarded the title "Bronze Whistle" in the 2024 season and "Silver Whistle" in the following season - the highest achievement in his refereeing career.
During more than a decade of working in national football tournaments, referee Tran Dinh Thinh always showed composure, seriousness and courage in the assigned matches. His passing is a loss not only to his family and friends but also to a whole generation of referees striving for the development of Vietnamese football.
Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vff-su-ra-di-dot-ngot-cua-trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-la-noi-dau-cua-bong-da-viet-nam-20250804052436696.htm
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