news

Singapore stadium on the sideline?

THE Asean Football Federation (AFF) competitions committee will decide today in Singapore the options for next month’s AFF Cup if the venue (National Stadium) is deemed unfit for the biennial tournament.

FA of Malaysia secretary Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin will attend the committee meeting headed by the vice president of the Cambodian FA, Khiev Sameth.

The 55,000-capacity retractable roof stadium was a target of criticism due to its sandy patches on the pitch when it hosted a match between Singapore and Italian Serie A side Juventus in August.

There are now doubts whether the venue will be ready for the AFF Cup, slated for Nov 23-29. Before that, the venue will host an international friendly between Brazil and Japan today, followed by the Jay Chou concert on Nov 8, and a rugby match between the Asia Pacific Dragons and Maori All Blacks on Nov 15.

Singapore, also the defending champions, are co-hosting the tournament with Vietnam. Malaysia are in Group B with the hosts, Thailand and the winners of the AFF Qualifiers in Laos.

AFF secretary Datuk Azzuddin Ahmad confirmed recently that the 8,000-capacity Jalan Besar Stadium, an artificial pitch venue, could be an alternative for the competition.

“If we find the pitch at National Stadium unsatisfactory, then Singapore will need an alternative venue,” said Azzuddin.

It is also learnt that the other alternative is to move the AFF Cup to Johor Baru.

Sports Hub chief operating officer Oon Jin Teik told the media in Singapore yesterday that the National Stadium pitch is playable but not in tip-top condition for today’s friendly.

“As for now, no decision has been made on the Suzuki Cup, whether the pitch will be ready for the competition,” said Jin Teik.

It is learnt that efforts were made to cancel next month’s Jay Chou concert but it proved futile as tickets have been sold.

As for the rugby match, Sports Hub is negotiating with the organiser on the possibility of postponing or moving it to another venue.

The competition is less than six weeks away and all eyes will be on Dollah Salleh’s side to see if they can regain their supremacy in the region.

Dollah, however, will have to prepare his players differently if the tournament is moved to Jalan Besar Stadium.

“Obviously, we cannot continue training on grass if the venue is shifted to Jalan Besar Stadium. I may have to move my training base to the artificial pitch in Bukit Jalil.

“It would be better if the matches are held at National Stadium. I hope the organiser will rectify the pitch. The atmosphere at National Stadium would be better compared to Jalan Besar Stadium as the venue can accommodate a bigger capacity,” said Dollah.

Malaysia teams do not have a good record at Jalan Besar Stadium. In the 2011 World Cup qualifier first leg match, Malaysia, under former coach K. Rajagobal, were humbled 5-3 by Singapore before the 2-2 draw in a friendly a year later.

Most Popular
Related Article
Says Stories