VietNamNet Bridge – FIFA-accredited referee Vo Quang Vinh won the Golden Whistle award following his outstanding performance in the V-League this year, the Viet Nam Football Federation announced yesterday, Sep 7.

Vinh, 36, from Khanh Hoa, received 52 votes totalling 333 points, beating Vu Bao Linh of Quang Ninh, who came second with 216 points.

Nguyen Trong Thu of Da Nang was voted the third best referee of the year after receiving 158 points.

Last year, Vinh won the Silver Whistle.

Meanwhile, linesman Nguyen Ngoc Ha from Hai Duong won the Golden Flag award with 269 points.

It's the third year in a row Ha has won the title of best referee's assistant.

Nguyen Hoang Minh from Dong Nai and Pham Manh Long won the Silver and Bronze flags, respectively.

"The award is a great honour for Vinh. He officiated the best matches in the national football championship [V-League]. He was the youngest Vietnamese referee to be recognised by the World Football Governing Body, FIFA, last year," said Nguyen Van Mui, chairman of the National Referee's Council.

The official awards ceremony will be held in Ha Noi today.