VFF requests clarification on flag mistake, FAT comes to Vietnam to apologize
VFF sent a dispatch to AFF and FAT after the incident of the Vietnamese flag being displayed as the Chinese flag during the 2025 youth futsal draw in Thailand; FAT apologized and sent a delegation to Vietnam on October 29.
The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has sent a dispatch to the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT), requesting clarification of the incident of mistakenly displaying the Vietnamese national flag during the draw ceremony for the 2025 Southeast Asian U19 and U16 Futsal Championships held on the afternoon of October 28 in Thailand. On the same evening, FAT issued a statement apologizing to the VFF and fans, and said it would send a delegation to Vietnam on October 29 to directly apologize and explain.
Live incidents and instant reactions
During the draw, the Vietnam draw showed the Chinese flag instead of the red flag with a yellow star. The ceremony was livestreamed on the FAT homepage, causing the distorted image to spread widely and create a strong reaction from public opinion.
VFF requested AFF and FAT to verify the cause, clarify responsibilities and propose measures to prevent recurrence. VFF emphasized that this was a serious mistake that could affect the image of Vietnam and the solidarity of the ASEAN community. VFF expressed confidence that AFF will handle the incident carefully, professionally and responsibly.
On the evening of October 28, FAT publicly apologized to VFF and fans, and said they would send a representative delegation to Vietnam on October 29 to directly apologize and explain the incident.
Organizational context: two youth futsal tournaments held in Nonthaburi
2025 Southeast Asian U19 Futsal Championship
Time: December 23 to 29 in Nonthaburi (Thailand).
Split table:
- Group A: Vietnam, Thailand (host), Brunei.
- Group B: Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, Cambodia.
Format: The top two teams in each group enter the semi-finals and compete for a place in the final.
2025 Southeast Asian U16 Futsal Championship
Location: Nonthaburi (Thailand).
Participating: 5 teams including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Brunei.
Format: Round robin competition, selecting the two teams with the best results to enter the final.
Organizational significance and normative requirements
According to information from the organizing committee, this is the first time that AFF has organized two youth futsal tournaments U16 and U19 at the same time, marking a new development step for Southeast Asian futsal. The incident of displaying the wrong national flag happened right at the draw ceremony - a symbolic ceremony - so VFF requested that the checking and verification process must be tightened to ensure the accuracy of information and respect for the teams.
Key timeline
- Afternoon of October 28: The draw ceremony for the U16 and U19 Southeast Asian futsal tournament 2025 in Thailand; the Vietnamese flag was mistakenly displayed.
- Evening of October 28: VFF sent an official dispatch to AFF and FAT; FAT issued an apology and announced the sending of a delegation to Vietnam.
- October 29: FAT plans to send a delegation to Vietnam to apologize and explain.
