FIFA Published 3 Aug 2023
Vietnam’s female football referees are inspiring a new generation of women in their country
- In 2021, Truong Thi Le Trinh and Ha Thi Phuong became the first female referee assistants to officiate in men’s V. League 2 matches
- In 2021, six Vietnamese female referees received elite FIFA status
- Trinh and Bui Thu Trang were also selected in the preliminary list of 750 referees and assistant referees for 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup
Shilarze Saha Roy
In a sport predominantly dominated by men, Vietnam’s female referees are taking centre stage – and how! With their exceptional skills, dedication, and passion for the game, these women are not only shattering stereotypes but also inspiring a new generation of girls to dream big and reach for the stars. Among these trailblazers are Truong Thi Le Trinh and Ha Thi Phuong, who made history as the first female referee assistants to officiate in men’s V. League 2 matches during the 2021 season. Their journey began with determination, as they passed the rigorous Vietnam Football Federation referee test alongside 70 other referees and assistant referees, proving that women can excel in men’s football as well.
Truong Thi Le Trinh, in particular, has been a motivating figure. She was a former goalkeeper for Long An FC and the Vietnam national women’s football team but faced adversity when an injury cut her playing career short. However, Trinh refused to let her love for the game die. She enrolled in classes at Ho Chi Minh City University of Physical Education and Sports, carving a new path as a professional football referee. Her commitment and experience as a FIFA-certified elite assistant referee have made her an icon for aspiring female officials.
Trinh’s achievements echo the desires of many female referees, who aspire to officiate in men’s leagues to prove their mettle. Their success represents a powerful message, emphasising that diversity and inclusivity are key to the growth and progress of the sport. As women continue to break through traditional boundaries, they are proving that football is a game for all, regardless of gender.
The impact of Vietnam’s female referees goes beyond the boundaries of their nation. In 2021, Truong Thi Le Trinh and Bui Thu Trang were selected in the preliminary list for the prestigious FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023, alongside 750 other referees and assistant referees. Trang was also additionally invited by FIFA to take a video assistant referee (VAR) course in Doha in 2021. The invitation certainly demonstrated that Vietnam’s female referees were on the right path and their skills were recognised on an international level.
In fact, the talent of Vietnam’s female referees was further acknowledged when a total of six female officials received elite FIFA referee status. The six were Cong Thi Dung, Le Thi Ly, Bui Thu Trang, Truong Thi Le Trinh, Nguyen Thi Hang Nga and Ha Thi Phuong, who proved their mettle and broke barriers in Vietnam’s football landscape.
Their achievements are a testament to the continuous growth and development of women’s football in Vietnam as well. In fact, the Vietnam women’s national team made its debut in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand.
Most of Vietnam’s female referees have already demonstrated their competence and earned respect from players, coaches, and fans alike by officiating in events like the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup in Jordan and the 18th Asian Games (ASIAD 18) in Indonesia. Their success serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring women referees but also to girls across Vietnam.
CVD 