Hanoi, Vietnam, August 5, 2025: The Southeast Asian football community is mourning the loss of Vietnamese referee Tran Dinh Thinh, who died on Monday, August 4 after taking part in a fitness test. He was 43.
The Vietnam Olympic Committee reports that Tran Dinh Thinh unexpectedly fainted while finishing the last run of a routine fitness test organised by the Vietnam Football Federation on the morning of Sunday, August 3.
“Before falling unconscious, he tried to say ‘Let me run to the finish line.’ Despite being in emergency, he died at 2am on August 4,” the Olympic Committee posted.
He was born in 1982 in Dong Nai and began refereeing in 2010. As an experienced referee, he was awarded the Bronze Whistle in 2023 and the Silver Whistle the following season, appearing in many major games in the V. League.
“He is always appreciated for his diligence, standards and spirit of responsibility,” the VOC said. “His sudden demise leaves a deep sorrow in the hearts of friends, colleagues and Vietnamese football fans.”
ASEAN Football added: “His untimely death has left the Vietnamese football community in shock and mourning. Rest In Peace, referee Tran Dinh Thinh. Your contributions to Vietnamese football will never be forgotten.”