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Referee of S'pore vs Vietnam semi-final revealed: Controversial

The Vietnamese team will face S'pore in the semi-finals of the AFF Cup 2024, taking place at 20pm on December 26.12 in the first leg at S'pore's Jalan Besar Stadium. Three days later, at Viet Tri Stadium, the two teams will play the second leg again at 3pm. 

The referee team for second leg has been revealed, namely main referee Lutfullin Rustam (Uzbekistan). Mr. Rustam's assistants Shayusupov Sanjar, Usmanov Alisher and Norsafarov Firdavs are also from Uzbekistan. In addition, the match at Viet Tri Stadium will have the presence of VAR. VAR technical officer is Mr. Andesit Lestyanto (Indonesia).

Referee Lutfullin Rustam is 33 years old and has experience of officiating Asia's top club tournaments (AFC Champions League Elite & AFC Champions League Two) as well as national teams (2026 World Cup qualifiers). He is a FIFA referee.

The Uzbek refereed Indonesia's 2-0 win over Saudi Arabia, including a decisive moment when Rustam denied Saudi Arabia a penalty in the second half.
Referee Rustam also officiated match where Russia beat Brunei 11-0. At AFF Cup 2024, referee Rustam officiated the match between Thailand & Malaysia at Rajamangala Stadium.

In November 11.2023, referee Rustam also officiated match between Vietnam & Philippines in opening match of 2026 World Cup qualifiers. That was the match in which Mr. Rustam completed his mission with the correct decision. Coach Philippe Troussier's Vietnam won 2-0 thanks to goals from Van Toan and Dinh Bac.