One Vietnamese referee failed to pass the fitness test.

Referees participating in the mid-season training for the 2025/26 season, phase 2, finished the fitness assessment.

The afternoon test on March 31 at Thống Nhất Stadium involved 67 referees, including 28 referees and 39 assistant referees, primarily assigned to the 2025/26 National First Division. After all test components, 66 referees met the requirements, while one assistant referee could not complete due to an injury sustained during the test.

This is a FIFA-standard fitness test, typically conducted twice per season and is mandatory for referees attending training.

The testing was rigorously carried out by the Vietnam Football Federation Referee Board, closely monitored via a camera system installed at multiple locations on the field. Organization was methodical, with particular emphasis on logistics and medical backup to ensure maximum safety for participants.

After finishing the fitness test, the referees continued with professional training sessions led by instructors. Here, referees and assistant referees exchanged ideas, updated new knowledge, analyzed, and drew lessons from real situations. The training program lasted four consecutive days, from March 30 to April 2.

This training phase gathered 11 referee supervisors, 38 main referees, and 28 assistant referees currently serving in the 2025/2026 National First Division – Bia Sao Vàng, along with some referees from the 2025/2026 National Championship. Previously, the first phase training for 14 referee supervisors, 31 referees, and 26 assistant referees serving in the National Championship was held in Hanoi from January 26 to 29, 2026.

The phase 2 training program ran from March 30 to April 2, covering practical content such as summarizing and learning from past match officiating experiences; analyzing situations via video; updating new regulations and professional knowledge. Additionally, referees and assistant referees participated in training sessions and fitness tests according to standards.

According to regulations, only referees and assistant referees who pass the fitness test are eligible to continue being assigned duties in the 2025/26 National Football Championship in the next phase.

The First Division is about to witness a historic change related to referees.

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