Hanoi, Vietnam – The Football Association of Thailand (FAT) committed a significant error on the afternoon of October 28, 2025, during the official draw for the ASEAN U19 Boys’ Futsal Championship 2025. During the event, the national flag of China was mistakenly displayed instead of Vietnam’s national flag, leading to immediate repercussions.
The incident, occurring within a 10-minute segment of the draw organized by the FAT, prompted swift action. The video of the draw was subsequently removed from the association’s social media platforms. In response, the Vietnam Football Federation (VFF) dispatched an urgent official letter of protest to both the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) and the FAT, formally registering their strong objection to the oversight.
In its communication, the VFF articulated its position, stating, “The VFF protests and requests a clarification regarding the incorrect display of the Vietnamese flag during the draw. This severe error carries the potential to tarnish Vietnam’s national image and could negatively impact the spirit of unity within the broader ASEAN community.”
The VFF further urged the AFF to initiate a thorough investigation into the cause of the error. They also requested the implementation of stringent measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring at future events. The statement from the VFF added, “The VFF trusts that the AFF is fully aware of the gravity of this matter and will address it with the utmost responsibility, prudence, and professionalism.”
Following the protest, both the AFF and the FAT issued official letters of apology to Vietnam and the VFF. Notably, Ms. Nualphan Lamsam, popularly known as Madam Pang, President of the FAT, personally sent a formal apology letter to Mr. Tran Quoc Tuan, President of the VFF, on October 28. Her letter directly addressed the incorrect display of the Vietnamese flag.
Madam Pang conveyed her profound regret over the incident. She stressed that the error should not be interpreted as a sign of disrespect from the FAT towards Vietnam or any other ASEAN member federation. She further confirmed that the FAT has already undertaken corrective actions and has reinforced its internal procedures to guarantee that such a mistake will not be repeated in future events.
The ASEAN U19 Boys’ Futsal Championship 2025 is scheduled to take place from December 23 to December 29, 2025, in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. Vietnam has been drawn into Group A, where they will compete against Brunei and the host nation, Thailand. Group B comprises Indonesia, Myanmar, Malaysia, and Cambodia. All participating teams will play in a round-robin format, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the semi-finals of the tournament.
