VPF makes a key decision for the V.League promotion battle.

The Singaporean FIFA referees have been assigned by VPF to handle the play-off between PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh, a decisive match for the last ticket to V.League 2026/27.

The play-off for a place in V.League 2026/27 The play-off match between PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh, which will decide who plays in V.League 2026/27, has drawn special attention from fans. Given the high stakes, the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF) has decided to bring in a FIFA-accredited refereeing team from Singapore to ensure fairness and minimize potential disputes.

According to the latest announcement from VPF, two FIFA referees from Singapore, Ahmad A'Qashah Bin Ahmad Al Badowe and Muhammad Taqi Aljaafari Bin Jahari, will be on duty for the match scheduled at 18:00 on June 12 at Hà Tĩnh Stadium. One will serve as the main referee while the other will handle the VAR system. This decision came after a proposal from Bắc Ninh FC and quickly received consensus from all relevant parties.

Ahmad A'Qashah is a familiar figure in Asian football. Recognized by FIFA since 2013, he has officiated many key matches in the AFC Champions League, AFC Cup, Asian Cup qualifiers, and national team tournaments. His vast experience is expected to ensure the match runs smoothly amid the tense and high-pressure atmosphere.

Muhammad Taqi is regarded as one of Singapore's top referees today. A FIFA referee since 2012, he has appeared at major events such as the AFC Asian Cup, FIFA U-17 World Cup, and FIFA U-20 World Cup. Notably, he was also part of the VAR officiating team at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the most prestigious tournament on the planet.

The play-off between PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh carries special significance as it decides the final spot for the 2026/27 V.League season. PVF-CAND enters as the second-to-last team in V.League, while Bắc Ninh earned their place after a hard-fought journey in the National First Division. The gap in quality between the two sides is not large, promising an exciting and unpredictable showdown.

With the immense pressure arising from the win-or-lose outcome, the refereeing will undoubtedly be one of the most scrutinized aspects. By inviting internationally experienced FIFA referees, VPF not only enhances match officiating quality but also shows its commitment to transparency, and fairness in this life-or-death clash between PVF-CAND and Bắc Ninh.