The Football Association of Thailand apologizes for the incident of displaying the wrong Vietnamese flag.

On the afternoon of October 29, the Football Association of Thailand had a meeting and explained to the Vietnam Football Federation regarding the incident of incorrectly displaying the Vietnamese national flag during the draw ceremony for the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 and U19 Futsal Championship held in Bangkok (Thailand) on October 28.

Vice President of the Football Association of Thailand delivered the apology letter from the Football Association of Thailand to President of the Vietnam Football Federation Tran Quoc Tuan. (Photo: VFF)

At the headquarters of the Vietnam Football Federation, the working delegation of the Football Federation of Thailand led by Vice President Adisak Benjasiriwan had a working session and explained to the leaders of the Vietnam Football Federation regarding the incident of incorrectly displaying the Vietnamese national flag during the draw ceremony for the 2025 Southeast Asian U16 and U19 Futsal Championship held in Bangkok (Thailand) on the afternoon of October 28. The working session was witnessed by General Secretary of the Southeast Asian Football Federation Winston Lee.

At the meeting, Vice President Adisak Benjasiriwan, on behalf of the President of the Football Association of Thailand, Nualphan Lamsam, read an official letter of apology to the Vietnam Football Federation. In the letter, the President of the Football Association of Thailand expressed deep regret and sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident related to the mistaken display of the Vietnamese national flag.

Chairman Nualphan Lamsam affirmed: “We are aware of the seriousness of this mistake and take full responsibility. The Football Association of Thailand has immediately reviewed, adjusted and tightened the organization process to prevent similar incidents in the future.”

In the letter, the Football Association of Thailand emphasized its wish to apologize to the Vietnam Football Federation, the Southeast Asian Football Federation and all fans for the unfortunate incident, and affirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect in international sporting events.

On the evening of October 28, on its official website, the Football Association of Thailand also published a press release apologizing to the Vietnam Football Federation and Vietnamese fans. The release stated that this was “an unintentional human error, not stemming from any intention of disrespecting the country and people of Vietnam”, and expressed hope to receive sympathy and sharing from Vietnam.

The Vietnam Football Federation acknowledged the sincere apology from the Thai Football Federation and highly appreciated the proactive, open-minded and respectful spirit shown by the Thai side. The representative of the Vietnam Football Federation also emphasized that this incident is a profound lesson for the organization of international events, contributing to improving the professionalism and prestige of football in Southeast Asia.

Representatives of the Football Federation of Thailand pledged not to let similar mistakes happen in the future, and expressed their desire to continue to maintain and develop the cooperative relationship with the Vietnam Football Federation, towards the common goal of building a regional football foundation that is increasingly professional, united and sustainably developed.

PHAN THACH

Source: https://nhandan.vn/lien-doan-bong-da-thai-lan-xin-loi-ve-su-co-hien-thi-sai-quoc-ky-viet-nam-post919051.html