Why is Đình Bắc still suspended in two matches for
Why it matters
Nguyễn Đình Bắc's suspension has a significant impact on Vietnam's chances in qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup. His absence could affect the team's performance, especially considering his key role in the midfield. Furthermore, the ongoing legal situation with the AFC could lead to further complications for Vietnam in preparing for the upcoming matches.
Context
Nguyễn Đình Bắc is a key player for Vietnam, and his absence could reduce the manager's tactical options. His disqualification is the result of a red card received during the third place final of the U23 Asian Cup 2026, highlighting the importance of maintaining discipline in crucial competitions such as the Asian Cup. The current legal situation could also affect his availability for future Asian club competitions.
Key points
- Why Đình Bắc is still suspended in two matches for.
- Nguyễn Đình Bắc did not take part in the match between Vietnam and Malaysia for the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers, but his two-match ban remains in force.
- Do you know what the Asian Cup 2027 is all about?.
Nguyễn Đình Bắc was unable to take part in the 2027 Asian Cup final qualifier between Vietnam and Malaysia, but his two-match ban remains in place. According to VnExpress, the Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF) is still working with the Asian Football Federation (AFC) to clarify Đình Bắc's case regarding legal details. The player was suspended for two matches after receiving a straight red card for kicking South Korea's Lee Chan-ouk during the third-place final of the 2026 U23 Asian Cup in January. In the sanction statement published on 25 February, the AFC made it known that the two-match ban would be applied based on point 38.2.2 of the AFC Disciplinary Regulations. This point establishes that, in Asian youth competitions, if a player is sent off in the last match played, the disqualification will be applied to the next match of the same category. If the disqualification cannot be carried out in the same category, then it will be moved to the higher category. Club competitions such as the ASEAN Cup or the Asian Games do not fall under the control of the AFC. In contrast, events such as the FIFA ASEAN Cup, which are organized by FIFA, are not considered official. Furthermore, the term “same category” implies that a ban imposed for 11-a-side football cannot be transferred to disciplines such as 5-a-side football or sand football. The AFC did not specify which matches the suspensions relate to. However, considering Đình Bắc's date of birth, 19 August 2004, it is clear that he will not be able to participate in U23 competitions after 2027. In fact, the next U23 Asian Cup, which will take place in 2028, will have as a requirement for participation the fact of being born on or after 1 January 2005. The VFF, therefore, hypothesized that the suspensions will be transferred to the senior national team. The closest match, after the U23 Asian Cup 2026, will be the one against Malaysia for the last round of the Asian Cup 2027 qualifiers, on 31 March 2027. While the match to be played in the final phase of the 2027 Asian Cup would be against the United Arab Emirates, on 10 January 2027. However, the match against Malaysia was irrelevant for the passage of the round, since it was already known that Vietnam would have access to the final phase. For this reason, the Korean coach of the Vietnamese national team, Kim Sang-sik, did not call up Đình Bắc for that match. However, the VFF has informed the AFC that Đình Bắc's absence in the match against Malaysia should not be considered as an absence which reduces the number of participations of the player, and therefore the AFC should recognize that the player will be able to participate in the match against the United Arab Emirates. Instead, the AFC has made it known that a two-match ban will apply to Đình Bắc, and therefore in addition to the match against the United Arab Emirates, the player will not be able to participate in the match against South Korea. There are conflicting opinions as to whether the AFC should recognize Đình Bắc's absence in the match against Malaysia. Some argue that Đình Bắc should still be in the squad for that match. But this opinion does not hold up if we consider similar precedents. For example, in the case of Phạm Lý Đức, who was sent off in a match at the U23 Asian Cup 2026 and received a two-match ban. Despite the fact that he is no longer eligible to participate in competitions for his category, it was decided that his suspensions would be transferred to the senior national team. However, unlike Đình Bắc, Phạm Lý Đức was not included in the squad for the match against Malaysia. And despite this, the AFC recognized that Phạm Lý Đức's participation in the next senior national team match was irrelevant and therefore would not reduce the number of appearances the player could have for the national team. The issue regarding Đình Bắc is more complex, as the AFC is following a legal principle according to which the player is still considered eligible to participate in youth competitions. In fact, on 31 March 2027, the date of the match against Malaysia, Đình Bắc will be 21 years and 7 months old. While the limit for participating in youth competitions is set at the age of 23, which occurs on the day the year begins, therefore January 1st. Đình Bắc would therefore fall within the age limit to participate in any U23 competitions that will take place before 2028. The VFF, however, maintains that there is no doubt that Đình Bắc will not participate in competitions in the U23 category after 2027. Therefore, for the VFF, the principle should apply according to which if a player is no longer eligible to participate in youth competitions, he should not wait until the player reaches the age to exceed the age limit, but the transfer of the suspension to the senior national team should already be applied.
What happens now
The Vietnamese Football Federation (VFF) will continue to work with the AFC to clarify the situation of Đình Bắc. If the ban remains in place, Vietnam will have to adapt without one of their most influential players, which could affect their strategy in the upcoming qualifying matches. The team will therefore have to prepare to face future challenges with a careful eye on the management of available resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Đình Bắc disqualified?
Đình Bắc is suspended for two matches after receiving a direct red card during the third place final of the U23 Asian Cup 2026.
When will Đình Bắc return to the pitch?
Đình Bắc will return to action after serving his two-match suspension, but the exact date of his return has not been specified.
What is the impact of Đình Bắc's disqualification on the Vietnam team?
Đình Bắc's disqualification could affect the Vietnam team's performance in qualifying for the 2027 Asian Cup.
What is Vietnam's next match in the Asian Cup 2027?
Vietnam's next match in the Asian Cup 2027 is not specified in the article.
Which teams are involved in the qualifiers for the Asian Cup 2027?
The teams involved in the 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers include Vietnam, Malaysia, South Korea and the UAE.
