Passing the selection process helps the two referees officially be included in the AFC Video Match Officials (VMO) Panel 2026 list. This is considered a positive step forward for the Vietnamese referee force in the process of participating in officiating continental-level matches, and also shows the development of expertise in applying VAR technology.
The AFC Video Match Officials Selection 2026 program is held from February 2 to 6 in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) with the aim of training, evaluating and selecting video referees to serve the AFC tournament system. Within the framework of the program, trainees participate in many in-depth training contents related to VAR technology.
Specifically, referees are equipped with theoretical knowledge of VAR operating principles, analyzing key situations in the match, criteria for VAR intervention, as well as methods of choosing appropriate camera angles to assist referees in making accurate decisions.
In addition to the theory part, the students also participate in practice on the VAR Simulator system with simulated situations close to the actual match conditions. Through this, referees practice skills in analyzing images, evaluating situations and making decisions in a short time.
The program also organizes VAR operation procedure practice exercises in an environment similar to a real match to improve coordination between positions in the refereeing team, including VAR, VAR assistants (AVAR) and referees controlling the match on the field.
In addition, the training process also includes the content of analyzing match situations, interviewing and comprehensively assessing students' abilities. From the summary results, AFC selects referees who fully meet the standards to supplement the Video Match Officials force to serve regional tournaments.
The fact that two referees Ngo Duy Lan and Nguyen Trung Hau passed the selection and joined the VMO Panel 2026 list not only recognizes the professional capacity of individuals but also contributes to enhancing the position of Vietnamese refereeing in the continental football system, while enhancing accuracy and transparency in referee decisions at international tournaments.
