The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup Final Will Use VAR

The U-23 Indonesian national team will fight against Vietnam U-23 in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final (VOI/Karisa Aurelia Tukan).

JAKARTA - The Southeast Asian Football Federation (AFF) has decided that the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final will be held by including a video assistant referee (VAR). This decision was taken following a controversy that had colored the tournament due to the absence of VAR in the previous rounds.

Citing Soha's report, Monday, July 28, 2025, the implementation of VAR in the 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final is considered a crucial step to increase justice and help referees make more accurate decisions in this important match.

"In particular, the implementation of this VAR is considered very profitable for Vietnam U-23. Given that Indonesia U-23 is the host team, the existence of VAR is expected to prevent too aggressive games or potential biased decisions, as well as encourage sportsier and fairer matches for both parties," Soha wrote.

The 2025 AFF U-23 Cup final will be held on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at the Gelora Bung Karno Main Stadium (SUGBK), Jakarta. This match will bring together the U-23 Indonesia and U-23 Vietnam national teams.

Previously, this young tournament did not use VAR, a decision that drew a lot of criticism from football fans and experts. Moreover, tournaments of other age groups, such as the U-16 and U-19 in Southeast Asia, have implemented this technology.

VAR absence proved to cause a number of controversies, one of which was a fatal incident in the semifinals between Vietnam U-23 and the Philippines U-23.

At that time, referee Muhammad Usaid Jamal mistakenly gave a red card to Jaime Rosqullo which should have been given to Noah Leddel.

With the return of VAR, it is hoped that the controversy can be minimized, and ensures security and justice for both teams.

The final match between Indonesia U-23 and Vietnam is predicted to be fierce, considering that both teams have big ambitions to win the title.

VAR technology will certainly be very helpful in minimizing mistakes, especially in controversial situations of violations or goals that often spark debate.