FIFA president’s ASEAN Cup final appearance fuels Vietnam’s football ambitions

Infantino was in the VIP stand at My Dinh National Stadium on Wednesday night as Vietnam faced Thailand in the second leg of the regional championship finale.

Also attending were senior football officials from the Asian Football Confederation and ASEAN Football Federation, as well as Football Association of Thailand president Nualphan Lamsam, widely known as Madam Pang.

It was not the first time Infantino had attended a major match involving Vietnam and Thailand.

In January 2023, he watched the second leg of the AFF Cup 2022 final between the two teams at Thammasat Stadium in Thailand.

The latest visit came as Vietnamese football continues to strengthen its domestic system, improve professional standards, and pursue bigger international goals.

His trip to Vietnam could mark an important milestone for the country's football, offering an opportunity to showcase the progress Vietnam has made in strengthening its football system, improving professional standards, and pursuing more ambitious goals.

Earlier on Wednesday, Infantino and the FIFA secretary general arrived at Noi Bai International Airport, where they were welcomed by Vietnam Football Federation president Tran Quoc Tuan.

Before heading to My Dinh, Infantino met Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Hanoi.

During the meeting, the top Vietnamese leader praised FIFA’s role in global football development and its support for Vietnamese football over the years.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam outlined plans to improve school football infrastructure, develop youth talent training centers, and build large, modern stadiums meeting international standards.

He also asked FIFA to support Vietnam in exploring opportunities to host tournaments under the world football governing body, initially focusing on events suited to the country’s current infrastructure and organizational capacity.

Vietnam could then target larger competitions as its football facilities and supporting infrastructure improve, he said.

Infantino said he was impressed by Vietnamese people’s passion for the sport and described Vietnam as one of the countries with strong football development potential in the region.

He affirmed FIFA’s readiness to support Vietnam in infrastructure development, technical expertise, training, youth and grassroots football, and football management.