V.League referee suddenly died, VFF boss was shocked, sharing attracted attention

A sad news has just come to Vietnamese football when referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly died. He encountered serious health problems during the mandatory fitness test, preparing for the 2025/26 V.League season.

Unexpected incidents and unsuccessful rescue efforts

On the morning of August 3, within the framework of the training program to supervise and referee national professional football leagues in the 2025/26 season, a heartbreaking incident occurred. While performing the physical fitness test according to FIFA standards, referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly appeared signs of instability and could not continue the exam.

Immediately, the permanent medical team on the field, including emergency crews and fully equipped specialized vehicles, carried out emergency measures, respiratory and circulatory support and quickly transferred him to the hospital for further treatment.

Representatives of the Vietnam Football Federation ( VFF ), Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company ( VPF ) and the Referee Board were present at the hospital to monitor and coordinate in the treatment. However, despite the doctors' best efforts, the miracle still did not happen and referee Tran Dinh Thinh was permanently gone.

Leaders of VFF and VPF expressed their deep condolences

Before the sudden death of referee Tran Dinh Thinh, Mr. Tran Anh Tu - Vice Chairman of VFF, Chairman of the Board of Directors of VPF Company - expressed shock and grief: "I am really shocked and heartbroken by the passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh. He is an experienced referee, have made many contributions and have been honored in prestigious professional awards of the V.League".

He also emphasized that Dinh Thinh's dedication and professionalism have always been recognized, and this is a great loss for the Vietnamese referee team. "The Vietnam Football Federation and VPF would like to send our deepest condolences to his family and will work with his relatives to take care of the aftermath of referee Tran Dinh Thinh with all his grief and respect," Mr. Tran Anh Tu expressed.

Similarly, VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu also shared: "This is a big loss for Vietnamese football, especially for the national refereeing force. Referee Tran Dinh Thinh is not only a professional and serious referee at work, but also a person who is loved by all colleagues. His passing leaves a huge void and the pain cannot be put into words."

Career and silent dedication

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was born in 1982 in Dong Nai and started his career as a whistleblower in 2010. He is a familiar face in the V.League, having been awarded the title of "Bronze Whistle" in the 2024 season and "Silver Whistle" in the following season – the highest achievement of his career.

During more than a decade of working with national football leagues, Tran Dinh Thinh has always shown calmness, seriousness and bravery in each match. His passing is a loss not only for family and friends but also for a whole generation of referees who are striving for the development of Vietnamese football.

This heartbreaking incident also shows the importance of periodic health and fitness checks for referees. This is a mandatory inspection according to FIFA regulations, to ensure that referees are capable of taking on duties in professional football leagues.

VFF and the training organizers have carefully prepared medical work, from the arrangement of permanent professional forces to specialized ambulances, in order to create the most favorable conditions for the referees.

The sudden passing of Tran Dinh Thinh is a profound reminder of the risks that can occur at any time, as well as a tribute to his silent dedication during the past time. His story is also a message about the harshness of the refereeing profession, which requires not only a high level of expertise but also an extraordinary physical condition and a spirit of steel.

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