HA NOI — Vo Minh Tri and linesman Nguyen Ngoc Ha are favourites to win the Golden Whistle and Golden Flag awards this year following their outstanding performance in the V-League last season.
Both are among five short-listed candidates named by the National Referee Council on Sunday.
Tri, who won the Bronze Whistle last year, has no obvious rival as three-time winner Duong Van Hien has retired, Tran Khanh Hung retired at the end of this year, and FIFA-attested referee Dang Thanh Ha did not work this season due to injury.
Plaudits say Tri performed outstandingly this year, demonstrating judgement, skill, fitness and experience.
In recognition of Tri's ability, the Asian Football Confederation has called on his services at upcoming regional tournaments.
Meanwhile, the most likely contenders for the silver and bronze whistles are Vo Quang Vinh, Dao Van Cuong, Phung Dinh Dung and Nguyen Trong Thu. Thu, the youngest referee in contention, is in the running for the first time.
The Golden Flag is a more hotly contested affair. Although Hai Duong-based Ngoc Ha is the clear front runner, others in contention are Nguyen Phong Vu from Ha Tinh, followed by Chau Duc Thanh, Nguyen Hoang Minh and Nguyen Truong Xuan
One surprise contender is Xuan, who won the Bronze Flag in 2007 and Silver Flag in 2008. Xuan was absent from the short-list last year after a poor season.
Among the voters will be representatives from the Viet Nam Football Federation, sponsors, the referees council, professional referees, linesmen and journalists.
The winners will be announced in early next month. — VNS
