FIFA makes a surprising decision regarding the Laotian referee who disallowed Vietnam's goal

After heated disputes at SEA Games 33, FIFA's recent moves related to the Laotian referee are drawing widespread focus.

The women's football final at SEA Games 33 between Vietnam and the Philippines sparked fierce debate across the region. The disallowed goal by Bích Thùy became a focal point, triggering strong reactions from fans, experts, and Southeast Asian media.

The discussions extended beyond a single on-field decision. After the tournament, the AFC admitted to serious errors in officiating and conducted a full review of the refereeing team for the final. Against this backdrop, public attention turned to FIFA’s decision regarding Laotian female assistant referee Phutsavan Chanthavong.

According to the list International Match Officials – List for the year 2026 published on the Inside FIFA platform, Phutsavan Chanthavong remains listed as a FIFA-certified referee for 2026. This means she has neither been stripped of nor downgraded from her international status, despite the fierce disputes at SEA Games 33.

Not only Phutsavan Chanthavong, but the Lao Football Federation also has a total of nine referees and assistant referees recognized by FIFA for 2026, all within the AFC system. This list shows FIFA evaluates referees’ abilities based on long-term criteria rather than a single mistake.

FIFA’s decision is seen as a clear message about a systematic approach to refereeing. In elite football, where pressure and errors are inevitable, the 2026 certification reflects ongoing confidence in the overall competence of the Laotian female referee.

However, it is important to emphasize that FIFA recognition does not guarantee Phutsavan Chanthavong’s participation in every major tournament. For the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup finals, the Laotian female assistant referee is not included in the AFC’s selected list, and therefore will not officiate in matches involving the Vietnam women’s team.

The referee list for the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup was finalized early by the AFC, and not only Phutsavan Chanthavong but the entire refereeing team from the SEA Games 33 women’s football final are absent. This indicates AFC makes specific personnel adjustments for each competition, though no public disciplinary actions have been announced so far.