KUALA LUMPUR – The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has confirmed that the Merdeka Tournament final between Malaysia and Tajikistan will be held as scheduled at the Bukit Jalil National Stadium.
FAM in a statement today said the decision was made after a discussion with Malaysia Stadium Corp as the football governing body believes that the stadium board is capable of repairing the newly turfed Zeon Zoysia grass before the final on October 17.
“We understand that the new pitch was unsatisfactory during the opening fixture of the Merdeka Tournament against India,” read the statement.
“Perhaps due to some unavoidable factors, especially in terms of time, the condition of this new field is not quite as perfect as everyone expected for use in the Merdeka Tournament, but it is still an improvement over the cow grass used before.
“However, we have confidence in the Stadium Corporation, its technical consultants, and contractors, believing they can restore the grass condition by this Tuesday,” added FAM.
FAM also noted that the Bukit Jalil Stadium was its only viable option for hosting the tournament as an alternative venue – capable of accommodating the high number of Harimau Malaya fans who will be attending the matches – could not be found.
“Considering that the Bukit Jalil Stadium is the home of the Harimau Malaya, and with over 10,000 tickets already sold for the final, no other venue in the Klang Valley could handle that capacity.
“In fact, moving the final to the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor or the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Terengganu would cause more problems for loyal Harimau Malaya supporters who’ve purchased tickets, as the majority of them are in the Klang Valley.
“Therefore, by choosing to keep the match at the national stadium, FAM will continue working closely with the Stadium Corp in the days leading up to Tuesday to ensure the national stadium field’s condition is minimised to prevent damage and ensure a smooth final,” the statement added.
The Harimau Malaya began their Merdeka Tournament campaign by defeating India 4-2 in front of 46,150 fans at the national stadium on Friday.
Malaysia are set to face Tajikistan in the final match of the 42nd edition of the Merdeka Tournament on October 17. – October 15, 2023