Referee Tran Dinh Thinh officiating a V-League 2024-2025 match at Thong Nhat Stadium. Photo: Duc Dong. *

Born in 1982 in Dong Nai, Thinh studied at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Sports and Physical Education. After graduation, he became a physical education teacher at a secondary school in Bien Hoa City. To supplement his income, Thinh worked as a referee in local leagues while honing his skills, eventually turning professional in 2010.

Former FIFA referee Dinh Van Dung, who knew Thinh since the start of his career, described his fellow Dong Nai native as a charismatic yet approachable and friendly individual, leaving a positive impression from their first meeting. "Thanks to his expertise and eagerness to learn, Thinh quickly became a Vietnam Football Federation referee, officiating numerous major tournaments. This demonstrates his continuous effort and unwavering determination," Dung shared with VnExpress.

Coming from a locality without an established referee board or mentors, Thinh initially faced many challenges. However, through self-study and practical experience, including diligently improving his English, he achieved the distinction of becoming a FIFA referee in 2019 and 2020. In Vietnam, he also made a name for himself by winning the Bronze Whistle award for the 2023-2024 season and the Silver Whistle award for 2024-2025. For the past three seasons, he consistently ranked among the top 3 most active referees in the V-League.

According to former referee board head Duong Van Hien, these are prestigious awards in the refereeing community, typically given only to those who complete a season without errors. Winning the award two years in a row further underscores Thinh's consistency and competence.

Hien added that despite his teaching job and family commitments, Thinh was always punctual, meticulously managing his schedule to fulfill his refereeing duties. He also affirmed Thinh's disciplined lifestyle, consistent fitness, and natural aptitude.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh shows a yellow card to coach Popov (Thanh Hoa) for dissent during a V-League match. Photo: Duc Dong. *

According to Transfermakt, since 2018, Thinh officiated 79 V-League matches, issuing 264 yellow cards (an average of 3.34 per match), 11 red cards, and awarding 26 penalties.

He once made headlines with a crucial decision in the Hai Phong - Nam Dinh match in the 2022 V-League. A Hai Phong player scored from an offside position, which went unnoticed by the assistant referee, leading to the goal being initially allowed. At the time, VAR was not yet implemented. However, Thinh reviewed the replay on the stadium screen and overturned the goal. This was considered a courageous decision, reflecting his integrity.

Beyond professional refereeing, Thinh also actively participated in local amateur leagues for extra income. "Even as a FIFA referee, when officiating amateur matches, Thinh remained professional, serious, and meticulous, never negligent. He also readily mentored us, sharing insights on the latest rules in both professional and amateur leagues," referee Nguyen Trung Can commented about his senior colleague from the SPL.

At the peak of his career, Thinh suffered a medical emergency during a fitness test for the 2025-2026 season, held at the Hanoi Athletics Palace on 4/8. During the endurance run, referees were required to run 75 meters in 15 seconds and walk 25 meters in 20 seconds, completing 10 laps (equivalent to 4 km). Thinh showed signs of distress on the 7th lap. As colleagues rushed to his side, he said, "Let me finish running," before collapsing.

Present at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoi since yesterday, Hien and other colleagues hoped for a miracle, but it was not to be. Thinh fell into a deep coma and underwent dialysis, but his body did not respond. He passed away at 2 a.m. on 4/8, leaving behind his recently wed wife. He had a previous marriage and a daughter studying in Australia.

"As colleagues who stood shoulder to shoulder through the ups and downs of refereeing, across countless tournaments throughout Vietnam, we are deeply shocked and saddened by Thinh's sudden passing," Hien said, choked with emotion. "It's hard to comprehend why someone so diligent, hardworking, eager to learn, and ambitious had to leave us so soon."

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and the Vietnam Professional Football Joint Stock Company (VPF, the V-League organizer) are working with the family to bring Thinh back to his hometown for the funeral. According to VFF Vice President and VPF Chairman Tran Anh Tu, this loss is immense for the Vietnamese refereeing community. He pledged to support Thinh's family in making funeral arrangements "with the utmost sympathy and respect."

Duc Dong