The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has been fined 11,250 USD, equivalent to approximately 295 million dong, by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). This penalty stems from incidents during Vietnam's 3-1 victory over Malaysia in the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 31/3.
According to the AFC, Vietnamese spectators ignited at least one incendiary device in the stands. As the match organizers, the VFF was found to be in violation for failing to ensure the security and safety of the match, despite receiving prior warnings and requests to enhance security measures. The total fine comprises 6,250 USD for "spectator misconduct" and 5,000 USD for a "member association failing to fulfill organizational duties".
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Vietnamese fans celebrate during the 3-1 victory over Malaysia in the final round of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, at Thien Truong Stadium in Ninh Binh on 31/3/2026. Photo: Hieu Luong |
The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) faced a similar penalty after Thailand's 2-1 win against Turkmenistan in the Asian Cup qualifiers. However, the FAT was fined 22,500 USD, as the AFC identified at least four incendiary devices used by Thai supporters.
Flares are the common incendiary devices used by fans, and they have led to significant fines for the VFF on multiple occasions in the past.
In 2019, the VFF incurred a 39,500 USD fine due to flares ignited by fans during Vietnam's 1-0 win over Indonesia and 4-0 win over Thailand in the U23 Asia Cup 2020 qualifiers. One year prior, the VFF paid 12,500 USD when flares appeared during a 1-3 loss to South Korea in the men's football semifinals of ASIAD 18.
The VFF also spent 15,000 USD for a flare incident at Cambodia's national stadium during a 2-1 victory in the Asian Cup 2019 qualifiers. Furthermore, in the return leg of the AFF Cup 2016 semifinals at My Dinh Stadium, the fine reached 38,000 USD after fans lit flares and threw stones at the bus carrying the Indonesian team, which eliminated Vietnam after extra time.
Hieu Luong
