Referee Tran Dinh Thinh passed away during physical examination

During the physical examination for referees and supervisors before the 2025/26 professional season on the morning of August 3, referee Tran Dinh Thinh had a serious health problem.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh (middle row, fourth from left) at the opening ceremony of the training course for supervisors and morning referees. Photo: VFF .

Despite the full deployment of medical staff, ambulances and rapid resuscitation measures, he still did not survive after being transferred to the emergency hospital. That same night, the vehicle carrying referee Tran Dinh Thinh's body moved back to his hometown Dong Nai.

VFF General Secretary Nguyen Van Phu - Head of the training course's Organizing Committee, emotionally shared: "This is a great loss for the national referee force and all of Vietnamese football. Mr. Thinh is not only an experienced referee but also a dedicated and sincere colleague. VFF will closely coordinate with the family and VPF Company to organize a solemn and meaningful funeral as a deep gratitude."

According to VFF, this physical fitness test was carefully prepared, held in the morning to avoid harsh weather, with strict health examination requirements. However, the heartbreaking incident happened as a warning about cardiovascular risks in physical activities, even for those without warning signs.

VFF and VPF affirmed that they will further tighten medical examination procedures, health monitoring and fitness consultation for referees in the coming time.

Referee Tran Dinh Thinh was born in 1982 in Dong Nai , and is a veteran in the professional refereeing community in Vietnam. Starting his refereeing career in 2010, he was honored with the title "Bronze Whistle" in the 2024 season and "Silver Whistle" in the following season - the highest achievement in his career.

At the age of 43, he is still working hard with a serious, courageous and dedicated spirit, becoming a role model loved by colleagues and followed by the younger generation.

Source: https://znews.vn/trong-tai-tran-dinh-thinh-qua-doi-trong-luc-kiem-tra-the-luc-post1573936.html