The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has announced that following the successful use of VAR in the recently concluded Southeast Asian U16 Championship in Solo, Indonesia, the technology will be extended to upcoming major tournaments, starting with the 2024 AFF Cup.

AFF President Khiev Sameth believes that the introduction of VAR will greatly enhance the quality of the region’s premier football competition. "AFF believes that VAR is transforming football and is becoming one of the most important tools for elevating the standard of our tournaments," he said.

The Vietnamese national team, aiming for a spot in the 2024 AFF Cup final, must prepare thoroughly for the incorporation of VAR. Vietnamese players have previously exhibited a tendency to accumulate numerous penalties and face adverse referee decisions, especially in major tournaments where VAR is in use.

In preparation for the AFF Cup, which will take place from November 23 to December 21, Coach Kim Sang Sik's squad is scheduled to play a friendly match against India on October 9, followed by a match against Lebanon on October 15. Both India and Lebanon are considered suitable opponents for Vietnam, which currently ranks 116th in the FIFA rankings, just ahead of Lebanon at 117th and India at 124th.

The draw for the 2024 AFF Cup has placed Vietnam in Group B alongside Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar, and Laos. Group A includes Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, and the winner of the play-off between Brunei and Timor Leste.

The objective for Vietnam is clear: to reach the final and compete for the regional championship.

The Vietnamese national team's approach to the AFF Cup must now incorporate strategies that account for the presence of VAR, which can overturn on-field decisions and impact game outcomes significantly. This includes educating players on VAR protocols and preparing them to maintain discipline under the more stringent review system.

Dai Nam