Why do V-League teams continuously request foreign referees?

V-League clubs persistently propose foreign referees, reflecting the need to enhance transparency and consistency in match management.

The story of V-League clubs requesting the use of foreign referees is resurfacing and attracting significant attention, not only from professionals but also from fans. This is no longer a temporary reaction after a few controversial incidents, but reflects a systemic issue related to trust in league management.

The case of Thể Công Viettel is a recent prime example. Before round 17 of V-League 2025/26, this club submitted a formal request to invite international referees to officiate crucial matches. The emphasized goal is to ensure objectivity and enhance professional quality, especially in matches significantly impacting the season's outcome.

The developments on the field in Vinh during the draw between Sông Lam Nghệ An and Thể Công Viettel further highlighted the issue. Some referee decisions, despite VAR assistance, still generated opposing opinions. This shows that technology can aid, but cannot completely resolve differences in interpreting situations.

In reality, controversies related to refereeing are not new in V-League. Over many seasons, contentious incidents have occurred, accompanied by feedback from clubs and coaching staff. Notably, the process of evaluating and handling errors has not been fully communicated, sometimes leaving public opinion without comprehensive information.

Speaking after CAHN's match, Coach Mano Polking also partly reflected the perspective from the clubs. He stated that there still exist inconsistencies in handling, particularly in sensitive plays. However, this coach emphasized that the goal is to provide constructive feedback aimed at improving officiating quality rather than creating pressure.

From the above developments, it can be seen that the proposal to use foreign referees stems from a desire to enhance transparency and consensus in on-field decisions. Long-term, strengthening trust in domestic referees through training, supervision, and information transparency remains the key factor for V-League's stable and sustainable development.