In an exclusive interview with VietNamNet, Tran Anh Tu, Vice President of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) in charge of professional affairs, emphasized that 2025 will be a pivotal year for Vietnamese football to solidify its standing in the region and beyond.

Reflecting on 2024: Challenges and achievements

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VFF Vice President in charge of professional affairs, Mr. Tran Anh Tu. Photo: VFF

Looking back on the past year, Tran Anh Tu acknowledged both the difficulties and successes of Vietnamese football in 2024.

“2024 was a year of overcoming challenges, yet we also achieved significant milestones. Our international relations were strengthened, and the VFF was honored with the Community Youth Football Award.

On the competitive front, our national teams delivered commendable performances: the men’s futsal team won silver at the Southeast Asian Championship, while the women’s futsal team secured gold. The U17 team qualified for the AFC U17 Championship, and the U23 squad reached the quarterfinals of the AFC U23 Championship. Most notably, the Vietnamese national team exceeded expectations by winning the 2024 ASEAN Cup,” he said.

Vietnam’s professional leagues also saw advancements, with the widespread adoption of VAR technology improving match quality and reducing controversies. However, Tran Anh Tu noted that there is still work to be done, particularly in referee training and infrastructure development.

Goals for 2025: Strengthening regional dominance and aiming higher

Looking ahead, the VFF has set ambitious targets for each national team in 2025.

“We aim to maintain our regional dominance while making strides in international tournaments. The men’s national team will strive to reach the final round of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, the women’s team faces key challenges, including the Asian qualifiers for the FIFA Women’s World Cup, the Southeast Asian Championship, and the SEA Games 33.

Additionally, the U17 national team will receive dedicated investment as they compete in the 2025 AFC U17 Championship, which offers eight slots for the FIFA U17 World Cup. The women’s futsal team will also compete in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, seeking a place at the FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup,” Tran Anh Tu outlined.

Building on success: A roadmap for long-term progress

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In 2025, Vietnamese football will need to rise to new heights. Photo: SN

Following Vietnam’s ASEAN Cup 2024 triumph, the VFF is focused on maintaining momentum and pushing toward higher levels of competition.

“Our priority is to develop a strong pipeline of young talent by investing in youth academies and improving coaching quality at club levels. A well-structured national league is vital, as it serves as the primary talent pool for the national team.

We also hope to receive continued support from government officials and relevant agencies to create favorable policies for football development, especially in upgrading training and competition facilities across localities,” he emphasized.

The impact of VAR and the future of V-League

As Chairman of the Board of Directors at the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF), Tran Anh Tu discussed the transformative effect of VAR on domestic football.

“Since its widespread introduction in the V-League, VAR has significantly enhanced the quality of the league by reducing referee errors and ensuring fairer play.

This has created a more professional competitive environment and strengthened fan confidence in the league. Players have also adapted by displaying greater discipline and awareness, which contributed to our national team’s disciplined and professional approach at the ASEAN Cup,” he explained.

Looking ahead, the VFF and VPF plan to expand VAR coverage to all matches in the league, enhance referee training, and collaborate with clubs to foster a more competitive and engaging tournament.

“A stronger V-League will provide a solid foundation for our national team’s success in international competitions,” he added.

The women’s futsal team’s World Cup dream

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Players need to be more professional to help Vietnamese football grow. Photo: SN

Vietnam’s women’s futsal team recently secured a spot in the AFC Women’s Futsal Championship, moving closer to a historic FIFA Women’s Futsal World Cup appearance.

“The VFF has been actively organizing training camps and international friendlies to prepare the team for this major challenge. With a clear roadmap and structured investment, we believe Vietnamese women’s futsal can make a breakthrough on the continental and global stages,” Tran Anh Tu affirmed.

Hopes for 2025: A defining year for Vietnamese football

As 2025 unfolds, Tran Anh Tu expressed his aspirations for Vietnamese football’s continued growth.

“This year presents a crucial opportunity for Vietnamese football to solidify its position in Southeast Asia and make further strides in Asia. I hope our national teams will uphold their fighting spirit, unity, and determination to achieve even greater success.

Additionally, I wish to see more investment in youth development, better infrastructure, and a more competitive domestic league that attracts greater fan engagement.

On behalf of the VFF, I extend my best wishes for a prosperous and successful 2025 to all football professionals, players, and fans. With collective effort and determination, I believe Vietnamese football will continue to reach new heights,” he concluded.

Duy Nguyen