KUALA LUMPUR: The glaring boycott of the Merdeka Tournament by disillusioned football fans is set to continue until Sunday's final between Malaysia and Lebanon at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil.
The fans are showing their anger at the FA of Malaysia (FAM) for its continunous failures to improve Malaysian football over the years.
The National Stadium can accommodate 85,000 spectators, but in the semi-final on Wednesday, less than 3,000 turned up to watch Malaysia beat the Philippines 2-1.
A huge stadium, yet so few fans. This is a slap in the face of FAM. And more red faces for the national body if it is a quiet final.
Khairul Nizam, a vocal fan, said that the boycott — with fans staying away from the national team's matches, is aimed at FAM's bad management, and not the Harimau Malaya team.
"This isn't about the players' performance. It's about FAM's repeated failures to improve Malaysian football.
"Their obsession with just one draw against South Korea in an Asian Cup qualifier shows a lack of commitment to long-term progress," said Khairul.
He criticised FAM for its "self-celebrations" over minor achievements while neglecting the broader goals of producing consistent strong performances and development in Malaysian football.
"This year has been disappointing for Malaysian football, from the national team to M-League clubs.
"The players are fighting hard for the nation, and we support them, but this boycott is necessary to wake up the governing body from their mediocrity," said Khairul.
If the fans' boycott continue, Harimau Malaya will sorely miss the deafening spirit-lifting roar of their supporters in the Merdeka Tournament final.