Thailand scores a controversial late point in the women's volleyball final against Vietnam.

Despite believing the referee made a mistake, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team was unable to challenge the referee for the final incident in their final match against Thailand.

The Vietnamese women's volleyball team played very bravely against Thailand - Photo: NAM TRAN

In the SEA Games 33 women's volleyball final on the evening of December 15th, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team suffered a heartbreaking 2-3 defeat against Thailand. At one point, they were very close to victory in the fifth set with several match points. However, at the decisive moment, Thailand maintained their composure to take a 24-23 lead.

In the final point, Sasiraporn, the main hitter, served towards the back of the court. The nearest Vietnamese player, Kieu Trinh, dodged the ball. She immediately raised her hand to signal the ball was out, but the line judges flagged for the ball to be in court. From there, Thailand secured a crucial 25-23 victory in set 5 and won the gold medal.

This was a rather sensitive situation, as the television camera angle didn't clearly show whether the ball was in or out of bounds. But what's noteworthy is that the coaching staff and players of the Vietnamese women's volleyball team only argued with the referee instead of using their right to appeal.

Why is that? Because they used up all their appeals rights in the fifth set.

According to the Video Challenge System Regulation 2025 issued by the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB), each team is only allowed a maximum of two false claims.

Specifically, the rule states: "Teams are allowed to appeal when a situation ends; they are permitted to ask the umpire to review the decision of any situation they feel concerned about. Each team is allowed a maximum of two appeals per set. If the appealing team is correct, they do not lose their right. If the appeal is unsuccessful, they lose one right. If no conclusion can be reached, the right to appeal remains."

In the fifth set of the SEA Games 33 final, the Vietnamese women's volleyball team used up both of their free kicks.

First, they unsuccessfully challenged a point where they believed the ball had hit the Thai block and gone out. Second, they failed to challenge a point where a Thai player had touched the net. That's why the whole team had no choice but to accept their fate in the final point.

The disappointment of Thanh Thúy and her teammates - Photo: NAM TRẦN

Mr. Nguyen Trung Nam, a technical expert at many international volleyball tournaments, shared his opinion: "This play is very sensitive. Basically, the Vietnamese team has lost all right to appeal, so there's nothing else they can do."

Despite the heartbreaking defeat to Thailand in the final, the indomitable fighting spirit and progress of the Vietnamese women's volleyball team have brought great satisfaction to the fans.

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DUC KHUE - NAM TRAN

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/thai-lan-an-diem-cuoi-tranh-cai-trong-tran-chung-ket-bong-chuyen-nu-voi-viet-nam-20251215205951693.htm