Vietnam seeks to shift Dinh Bac ban before rescheduled Asian Cup
The VFF wants the forward’s two-match suspension served in another competition, but any change requires AFC approval.
Vietnam’s football federation, the VFF, is seeking AFC approval for Nguyen Dinh Bac to serve a two-match ban in other official fixtures rather than at the 2027 Asian Cup. The tournament in Saudi Arabia has been postponed to 23 December 2027, giving the federation more time to pursue a change.
According to Bongda 24, the VFF wants the suspension applied to another competition, potentially the 2030 World Cup qualifiers. Whether Dinh Bac can avoid missing Vietnam’s opening two Asian Cup group matches depends on the outcome of talks with the AFC.
The suspension followed his red card against South Korea in the third-place match at the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup. AFC rules require age-group suspensions to be served in the same category or carried over to a higher level once a player is no longer eligible. Dinh Bac will turn 23 more than four months before the rescheduled tournament, meaning his ban will apply at senior level.
Coach Kim Sang Sik previously left Dinh Bac out of an Asian Cup qualifier in an attempt to count that match towards the suspension. The AFC rejected that approach. Approval of the VFF’s proposed change would allow the forward to be available for all three group matches.
