V-League and a Perspective from the World Cup

The World Cup consistently serves as a premier football platform that gathers cutting-edge tactical innovations, contemporary officiating standards, and globally impactful regulation changes. For Vietnamese football, following the World Cup is not just about savoring elite games but also a chance to examine ourselves.

The 2026 World Cup is expected to continue the trend of rule reforms aimed at increasing effective playing time, reducing time-wasting, and preserving viewer engagement. This is exactly what Vietnamese football has repeatedly set as a goal, yet the actual implementation has not achieved the desired effectiveness.

According to statistics, the average effective playing time in the V-League over the past decade has been only about 50 minutes per match, with some games even falling below 40 minutes. This is an alarming figure for a league striving to enhance professional quality, boost television appeal, and attract sponsorship.

V-League matches are still fragmented by numerous fouls, arguments, reactions to referees, and VAR checks. Instead of being an emotionally charged contest, the game is broken up by too many dead-ball situations, preventing a continuous flow.

Therefore, the anticipated rule changes to be applied at the 2026 World Cup by FIFA and IFAB offer important insights. The use of a 5-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks, shortening substitution time, strictly penalizing delaying tactics, and expanding the role of VAR all aim at the common goal of increasing active play and reducing disruptions.

Looking at the reality of the V-League, the issue lies not only in the rules but also in the mindset of league management. Over the years, despite repeated reminders from governing bodies about building a professional football image, reducing negative statements, and improving behavioral culture, the same old problems persist.

A league cannot develop sustainably if it is constantly overshadowed by non-professional controversies. Sponsors require a stable and attractive product, while fans need positive emotions to maintain long-term loyalty. When trust. When trust erodes, turning away becomes inevitable.

A notable point is match management. In matches officiated by foreign referees or in the ASEAN Club Championship, officials have presented a positive image by allowing play to continue rather than blowing the whistle too early, while effectively applying the advantage rule. This helps maintain the match's pace and appeal.

Conversely, in the V-League, many situations are interrupted by player reactions or overly cautious decisions from referees. When the approach to officiating becomes excessively "safe," the match to be fragmented, reducing professional quality and viewer experience.

To elevate Vietnamese football, change must come from multiple sides. Players need to enhance their professional awareness and fair-play spirit, minimizing time-wasting actions or unnecessary reactions.

Referees need to be trained to international standards, possessing enough confidence to make consistent and accurate decisions. Clubs also need to cultivate a civilized behavioral culture, viewing the league's image as a shared asset.

The World Cup is the dream of every football nation, including Vietnam. But the journey towards that dream does not start with distant ideals, but with very concrete changes: reducing time-wasting, increasing active playing time, respecting the rules of the game, and building a professional football foundation from the ground up.