Vietnam's national team receives VAR decision in crucial match

The friendly match between Vietnam and Bangladesh on March 26 will not include VAR technology.

According to the latest assignment from the organizers, the refereeing team from Hong Kong will officiate the match during the FIFA Days in March 2026, taking place at Hang Day Stadium between Vietnam and Bangladesh on March 26. The use of foreign referees is seen as a step to ensure objectivity and professional quality for this encounter.

Notably, since this is only an international friendly match, VAR technology will not be applied. This means all decisions on the field will entirely depend on the referees, requiring accuracy, focus, and composure in sensitive situations during the match between Vietnam and Bangladesh.

The main referee for the match is Cheung Wai Lung Mario, born in 1995, a highly-rated name in the Hong Kong Premier League. Assisting him are two assistants: Chow Chun Kit (born 1981) and Lam Cheuk Hong (born 1992). Meanwhile, Vietnamese FIFA referee Hoang Ngoc Ha will serve as the fourth official.

Mario is known as a referee with a strict officiating style. Statistics show he has officiated 9 domestic league matches, issuing a total of 43 yellow cards, averaging nearly 4.8 per match. Additionally, he has given 1 direct red card, 1 second yellow card, and awarded 4 penalties, indicating a tendency for firm handling of fouls.

Regarding Bangladesh, the team arrived in Hanoi on the afternoon of March 21 and has about 5 days of preparation before facing Vietnam. This is considered an important rehearsal for them ahead of their match against Singapore in the final round of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

Meanwhile, the Vietnamese national team views the match against Bangladesh as a necessary warm-up before facing Malaysia on March 31. Beyond being just a friendly, this is also an opportunity for the coaching staff to assess the squad, test tactical plans, and refine the lineup for the major goal in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers.

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