In the case of mistaking the Vietnamese flag for the Chinese flag, FAT sent a letter of apology to VFF: We take full responsibility

On the evening of October 28, President of the Football Association of Thailand - Ms. Nualphan Lamsam (Madam Pang) on ​​behalf of the Football Association of Thailand (FAT) sent a letter to the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) and VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan to apologize for the incorrect display of the Vietnamese national flag in the draw ceremony for the 2025 Southeast Asian U.19 men's futsal championship.

Madam Pang spoke up, expressing deep regret for misplacing the Vietnamese national flag.

In the apology letter, Madam Pang wrote: "On behalf of FAT, I would like to express my deep regret and most sincere apology for the unfortunate incident involving the misplacement of the Vietnamese national flag during the draw ceremony for the 2025 Southeast Asian U.19 men's futsal championship, held in Thailand on October 28, 2025."

The FAT President said he was very sad about the incident: "This absolutely does not reflect the respect and appreciation that FAT has for all member associations as well as their national symbols. We are fully aware of the seriousness of this mistake and take full responsibility for the negligence that occurred."

Madam Pang affirmed that FAT has immediately taken corrective measures, reviewed and strengthened the event organization process, to ensure that such mistakes will never happen again.

The incident of mistaking the Vietnamese flag for the Chinese flag at the lottery drawing ceremony in Thailand

PHOTO: CMH

"FAT would like to sincerely apologize to VFF, the Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) and all relevant parties for this incident." She also expressed hope to have the opportunity to directly apologize to VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan in the near future.

"FAT and I personally deeply appreciate your (Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan) continued understanding and support, and would like to reaffirm our firm commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and respect in all AFF events hosted by FAT," Madam Pang wrote in the letter.

It is known that immediately after the incident occurred, FAT President Madam Pang called VFF President Tran Quoc Tuan to sincerely apologize. FAT General Secretary also contacted VFF General Secretary to apologize for this serious incident.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/vu-nham-quoc-ky-viet-nam-thanh-co-trung-quoc-fat-gui-thu-xin-loi-vff-xin-hoan-toan-chiu-trach-nhiem-185251028205236435.htm