VietNamNet Bridge – Three candidates have entered the final round of the 2016 Golden Whistle award for referees, the Viet Nam Football Federation said.

Referee Nguyen Ngoc Chau lists No 1 candidate to take the Golden Whistle award this year. — File Photo

Nguyen Ngoc Chau from Binh Duong is on the top with an average 8.44 points. Chau officiated at 24 out of 26 rounds in the V.League, where he was the main referee in 13 matches.

“He has officiated at several games. It means he has the backing of the tournament organisers. He completed his job with a high level of quality and without any mistakes, and therefore, received high points,” Nguyen Van Mui, head of the VFF’s Referee Council, said.

Ngo Duy Lan from Long An is in second place with 8.42 points.

Lan refereed 19 matches and is one of two referees nominated to work as a FIFA official in the 2017 season.

Nguyen Van Kien ranks third, scoring 8.38 points from 12 matches.

The Golden Flag title for best assistant referee also sees three candidates -- Pham Manh Long and Pham Truong Xuan of Hai Phong and Nguyen Tri Cuong from Ca Mau.

Cuong is registered to be a FIFA assistant referee in 2017.

The winning referee will receive a VND30 million (US$1,300) bonus, while the most-voted assistant referee will get VND20 million ($900).

The winners, with the maximum votes from the referee council, the tournament’s organisers, VFF and the Viet Nam Professional Football Company, will be announced on September 27.        

VNS