Vietnam Calls for Closer FIFA Cooperation to Advance Football Development
Hanoi, The Gulf Observer: General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee and President Tô Lâm has called for closer cooperation with FIFA to advance football infrastructure, human resources and international competitions in Vietnam.
He made the remarks during a meeting with FIFA President Gianni Infantino in Hà Nội on Wednesday. Infantino was visiting the Vietnamese capital to attend the second leg of the ASEAN Cup 2026 final between Vietnam and Thailand.
President Tô Lâm praised FIFA’s role in promoting football worldwide and expressed appreciation for the organisation’s practical support for the development of Vietnamese football over the years.
He emphasised that football enjoys widespread popularity in Vietnam and serves not only as a sport but also as a means of bringing communities together, inspiring people and strengthening solidarity.
The Vietnamese leader said the country plans to prioritise the development of football infrastructure in schools, ensuring adequate and standard facilities for students’ physical education. Vietnam also intends to establish training centres for promising young players and develop a network of large-scale, modern stadiums meeting international standards.
President Tô Lâm called on FIFA to support Vietnam in exploring opportunities to host tournaments within the FIFA system, initially focusing on competitions compatible with the country’s existing facilities and organisational capacity.
He said that as infrastructure and other necessary conditions improve, Vietnam could gradually consider hosting larger-scale international football events.
The Vietnamese leader also urged FIFA to continue supporting the training of coaches and referees, strengthening professional expertise and football management capabilities. He further called for greater cooperation in developing women’s football, school and grassroots football, professional leagues and national teams.
Infantino expressed his deep impression at the passion for football and strong sporting spirit of the Vietnamese people, describing Vietnam as one of the countries in the region with significant potential for football development.
The FIFA President reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to accompany Vietnam and share its expertise, offering maximum support in infrastructure development, technical assistance and training for community and youth football.
He also pledged FIFA’s continued support for improving football management and infrastructure in Vietnam in the coming period.
