Brian Jeffrey
In a recent interview with VietNamNet, Tran Anh Tu, the Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) responsible for professional matters, highlighted that 2025 will be a crucial year for Vietnamese football to strengthen its position in the region and on the international stage.
Reflecting on the past year, Tran Anh Tu recognized the challenges and achievements faced by Vietnamese football in 2024.
“The year 2024 was marked by overcoming obstacles and reaching important milestones. Our international relationships improved, and the VFF earned the Community Youth Football Award.
On the field, our national teams performed admirably: the men’s futsal team took home a silver medal at the Southeast Asian Championship, while the women’s futsal team earned gold. The U17 team qualified for the AFC U17 Championship, and the U23 team reached the quarterfinals of the AFC U23 Championship. Most impressively, the Vietnamese national team exceeded expectations by winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup,” he reported.
There were also advancements in Vietnam’s professional leagues, with the implementation of VAR technology enhancing match quality and minimizing disputes. Nevertheless, Tran Anh Tu acknowledged the need for improved referee training and infrastructure.
As the VFF looks forward, ambitious goals have been set for each national team in 2025.
“Our objectives include maintaining regional supremacy while making progress in international competitions. The men’s national team aims to reach the final round of the qualifiers for the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The women’s team, on the other hand, faces significant challenges with the Asia qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Southeast Asian Championship, and the SEA Games 33.
Moreover, the U17 national team will receive focused support as they participate in the 2025 AFC U17 Championship, which will open up opportunities for the FIFA U17 World Cup. The women’s futsal team is also set to compete in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, aiming for a spot in the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup,” Tran Anh Tu stated.
Following Vietnam’s success in the 2024 ASEAN Cup, the VFF is keen on sustaining this momentum and advancing to higher levels of competition.
“A critical focus is to nurture a robust pipeline of young talent by investing in youth academies and improving coaching standards at the club level. A well-organized national league is essential, as it serves as the major source of talent for our national team.
We seek continued backing from government officials and agencies to establish favorable policies for football development, particularly in upgrading training and competition venues across all regions,” he added.
As the Chairman of the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), Tran Anh Tu discussed the significant impact of VAR on domestic football.
“The introduction of VAR in the V-League has notably improved the quality of the league by reducing referee mistakes and enhancing fair play.
This improvement has fostered a more professional competitive environment and boosted fan confidence in the league. Players have also adapted to this by showing greater discipline and awareness, contributing to the national team’s professionalism during the ASEAN Cup,” he noted.
Looking to the future, the VFF and VPF intend to extend VAR coverage to all league matches, enhance referee training, and cooperate with clubs to enrich the competitive spirit of the tournament.
“A more robust V-League will lay down a firm foundation for our national team’s achievements in international contests,” he concluded.
The Vietnamese women’s futsal team has recently secured a position in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, bringing them closer to a potential FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup debut.
“The VFF is proactively organizing training camps and international friendly matches in preparation for this significant challenge. With clear strategic planning and targeted investment, we are optimistic about the potential of Vietnamese women’s futsal on the continental and global stage,” Tran Anh Tu asserted.
As 2025 unfolds, Tran Anh Tu shared his hopes for the future of Vietnamese football.
“This year is a crucial opportunity for Vietnamese football to establish its presence in Southeast Asia and achieve more in Asia. I hope our national teams will embody determination, unity, and a relentless spirit in their pursuit of success.
Furthermore, I wish to see increased investment in youth programs, advancements in infrastructure, and a more dynamic domestic league that engages fans more deeply.
On behalf of the VFF, I extend my warm wishes for a successful 2025 to all involved in football, from professionals to players and supporters. Together, with determination and effort, Vietnamese football is set to reach new heights,” he concluded.
