Vietnam young star Nguyen Dinh Bac faces 2027 Asian Cup suspension following red card in South Korea match

Bac was sent off in the 86th minute of the dramatic victory against South Korea for a dangerous tackle on Lee Chan-ouk. Under the 2024 AFC Disciplinary Code, a red card suspension received in an age-group tournament carries over to the next tournament in the same category. However, since the 2004-born striker will be ineligible for the next U23 tournament, the suspension is transferred to the next highest level - the national team.

Consequently, Bac will miss Vietnam's crucial Group F qualifier for the 2027 Asian Cup against Malaysia, scheduled for March 31. Should Vietnam qualify for the main event in Saudi Arabia in January 2027, he would also miss the opening group stage match to complete the two-game ban.

Vietnam currently sit second in Group F of the qualifiers with 12 points, trailing Malaysia by three points. To reclaim the top spot on sporting merit, Vietnam need a victory by a margin of five goals in the final match, having lost 0-4 in the first leg.

However, the group dynamics could change due to a scandal of Malaysia. FIFA has sanctioned Malaysia for fraudulently using naturalized players. If Malaysia's appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) fails, they risk forfeiting their matches against Nepal and Vietnam from last year. In this scenario, Vietnam would be awarded a 3-0 victory, automatically topping the group regardless of the March 31 match result.

Bac was a standout performer at the U23 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia, scoring four goals and providing two assists in six matches. He tied for the tournament's top scorer award alongside Jordan's Ali Al Azaizeh and Lebanon's Leonardo Shahin. His contributions were instrumental in Vietnam's journey, adding to a resume that already includes a goal against Japan at the 2023 Asian Cup and a SEA Games gold medal.

Vietnam's squad paid a heavy price for their third-place finish. Not just Bac, defender Pham Ly Duc received a three-match suspension for a foul in the semi-final loss to China. He missed the third-place match and will also see his remaining ban carry over to the national team. Additionally, key defender Nguyen Hieu Minh suffered a torn knee ligament during the tournament, an injury expected to sideline him for about nine months.

 

 

Vietnam young star Nguyen Dinh Bac faces 2027 Asian Cup suspension following red card in South Korea match

Đình Bắc dẫn đầu Vua phá lưới với loạt bàn thắng tuyệt phẩm