Refereeing controversies deepen chaos at SEA Games in Thailand

The disputed calls that marred the women's football final between Vietnam and the Philippines on Wednesday were only the latest in a growing series of officiating missteps that have drawn criticism across Southeast Asia.

In the group stage, Vietnam were denied a clear penalty when a Philippine defender handled the ball in the box. 

The fact that many of the most consequential errors have appeared in matches involving the same two teams has intensified frustration among Vietnamese fans and officials, who say the pattern consistently benefits the Philippines.

But the problem has not been limited to football. It has spread across multiple sports and escalated tensions within the athlete delegations.

Pencak silat becomes early flashpoint

From the opening days of the 2025 SEA Games, pencak silat drew some of the tournament's most heated disputes.

On Tuesday, Vietnamese fighter Vu Van Kien was disqualified in the men's 60 kilogram semifinal under circumstances that athletes and coaches across the region described as baffling.

Despite leading comfortably, Kien was expelled for what referees ruled was a face kick on his Thai opponent, a decision that overturned the match immediately.

The ruling set off a wave of debate on social media, with many questioning whether the infraction merited the harshest possible penalty.

Malaysia's pencak silat contingent also protested officiating that they said favored Thai competitors.

Several Malaysian athletes reacted angrily after a series of disputed calls, culminating in an assault on referees at the venue.

Muay Thai joins list of disputes

Muay Thai events on Tuesday saw similar turmoil.

Vietnamese fighter Hoang Khanh Mai withdrew from the women's 45 kilogram semifinal in protest, alleging that the judges' scoring did not reflect what happened in the ring.

Giap Trung Thang, vice-president and secretary general of the Ho Chi Minh City Muay Federation, said many of the decisions "were completely inconsistent with what actually happened," and argued that the sense of unfairness was widespread.

"Even Thai athletes themselves were victims. One Thai fighter lost to a Malaysian opponent despite clearly dominating the bout," he said.

With outcomes in combat sports heavily shaped by subjective judging, unresolved controversies have piled up quickly, leaving athletes to react in frustration as questionable decisions mounted.

Football coach criticizes officiating

Vietnam women's football coach Mai Duc Chung said Wednesday's final reflected ongoing problems.

"Every referee officiating women's football at this SEA Games has been substandard. In the group stage, they refused to award a penalty. In the final, they ruled a legitimate goal offside," he said.

Across the region, analysts say inconsistent refereeing has long been a blemish of the SEA Games. 

But many argue that the scale and frequency of this year's incidents are unprecedented.

Thai athletes' dominance in several events has also fueled resentment among visiting teams, especially after Malaysian officials successfully appealed a result that led to Thai pencak silat fighter Pheeraphon Mittasan being stripped of his medal just before the awards ceremony.

Boxing officials raise alarms

The Philippine Boxing Association added to the criticism. 

Its president, Ricky Vargas, noted that Thai boxers advanced to 16 of 17 finals, calling the concentration of finalists "highly unusual" and warning that referee neutrality would be difficult to maintain under those circumstances.

Calls for accountability and reform

According to muay official Giap Trung Thang, the root of the problem lies in the lack of meaningful accountability for referees and the absence of video review systems that could help settle disputes.

Without stronger oversight and modern technology, he said, mistrust among teams is likely to deepen.

Sports officials across Southeast Asia have echoed similar concerns.

They warn that if officiating standards do not improve, the SEA Games will continue to struggle for credibility, limiting opportunities for athletes who aim to progress to the Asian Games or the Olympic Games.

Without reform, they say, the region risks keeping its premier tournament in a shallow pond rather than transforming it into a stage worthy of its ambitions.