Referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly passed away at the age of 43

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh (Dong Nai) suddenly passed away at the age of 43 after fainting during a physical test for professional referees and assistant referees organized by the Vietnam Football Federation.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away. Photo: VPF

On August 3, 2025, during a physical examination within the framework of the training program for supervisors and referees of national professional football tournaments in the 2025-2026 season, an unfortunate incident occurred when referee Tran Dinh Thinh suddenly had a serious health problem and had to be rushed to the hospital.

Specifically, during the physical examination according to FIFA standards, referee Tran Dinh Thinh showed signs of instability and could not continue the test. With the preparation and arrangement of full-time professional forces from medical work, emergency teams on the field and specialized ambulances with full equipment, they immediately carried out emergency measures, assisted breathing and circulation and quickly transferred the referee to the hospital by ambulance for further treatment. Representatives of the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF), VPF Company and the Referee Board were present at the hospital to directly monitor and coordinate in the treatment work.

Despite the doctors and medical team's efforts and dedication to save him, what everyone wished for still did not happen and referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away at the age of 43, while still in the spirit of attachment and dedication to national professional tournaments with all his heart and responsibility.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh fainted during a physical test according to FIFA standards. Photo: VPF

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was born in 1982 in Dong Nai , and started his refereeing journey in 2010. He is a familiar face in the V-League, having been awarded the title of "Bronze Whistle" in the 2024 season and "Silver Whistle" in the following season - the highest achievement in his refereeing career.

During more than a decade of working in national football tournaments, referee Tran Dinh Thinh always showed composure, seriousness and courage in the assigned matches. The sudden passing of referee Tran Dinh Thinh is not only a great pain for his family and relatives, but also a great loss for Vietnamese football.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-dot-ngot-qua-doi-o-tuoi-43-711385.html