The AFF Secretary General and FAT leaders visited the VFF headquarters to resolve the issue of the incorrect national flag.

AFF Secretary General Winston Lee and the delegation from the Football Association of Thailand arrived at the VFF headquarters at 2 PM on October 29th to work with VFF leaders.

Following the incident involving the mistaken use of the Vietnamese flag for the Chinese flag during the draw for the U.19 futsal tournament in Thailand on October 28th, both the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) and the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) have taken steps to show goodwill.

The AFF General Secretary was present at the VFF headquarters.

VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan

Previously, the VFF stated: " During the draw ceremony, the Chinese flag was displayed instead of the Vietnamese flag on the draw slip for the Vietnamese national team."

In its letter to the AFF, the VFF clearly stated its position that this serious incident could have consequences affecting Vietnam's image and negatively impacting the spirit of solidarity within the ASEAN community.

The Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) has requested the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) to clarify the cause of the incident and ensure strict measures are in place to prevent similar mistakes from recurring in future events.

The VFF believes that the AFF is also well aware of the seriousness of this matter and will handle it with the utmost responsibility, caution, and professionalism.

FAT also apologized to AFF.

On the night of October 28th, FAT issued a statement, clarifying: "Mr. Adisak Benjasiriwan, Vice President of FAT in charge of futsal and beach soccer, extends his sincere apologies to the VFF and the people of Vietnam following the unfortunate incident where the Chinese flag appeared instead of the Vietnamese flag during the draw for the 2025 Southeast Asian U.19 Futsal Championship, which took place on October 28th."

FAT acknowledges and respects all member federations at all levels, as well as the importance of each nation's flag as a symbol of national identity. Therefore, we express our deepest regret for this mistake. Immediately following the incident, FAT took decisive action by establishing an investigative committee to investigate and apply disciplinary measures against those responsible.

Initial investigations indicate that the error originated from the event organizers. Furthermore, Ms. Nualphan Lamsam, President of FAT, has officially sent letters of apology to both VFF and AFF.

A delegation from FAT will personally visit Vietnam on October 29, 2025, to convey FAT's apology to the President and leadership of the VFF.

AFF Secretary General Winston Lee also accompanied the FAT delegation. The delegation was received by VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan and VFF Secretary General Nguyen Van Phu.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tong-thu-ky-aff-cung-lanh-dao-fat-da-den-tru-so-vff-cung-giai-quyet-su-co-sai-quoc-ky-185251029142308008.htm