PETALING JAYA: There will be no change in venue for the Merdeka Tournament final between Malaysia and Tajikistan.
Despite Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim offering the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor for the final due to poor pitch conditions at the National Stadium, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) confirmed that the game would be played in Bukit Jalil at 9pm on Tuesday (Oct 17).
FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman said the decision was made after a meeting with the Malaysian Stadium Board (PSM) to inspect the latest field conditions.
A technical team led by national team coach Kim Pan-gon conducted an evaluation and gave it the thumbs-up.
"Several other factors and considerations were took into account, including the logistics aspect involving the secretariat, officers and teams involved, in addition to the fact that there is no other venue in the Klang Valley that can accommodate the expected attendance of Harimau Malaya supporters," he said.
"Although the condition of the new pitch at the National Stadium was not up to par when we played against India, FAM is confident that PSM and its technical consultants and contractors are capable of repairing the pitch condition by Tuesday.
"Even Pan-gon saw that the field could be played on and felt that it would be better for the final to remain at the National Stadium so as not to disturb his team's focus and preparations."
Azman also said switching venues would affect fans who had already purchased 10,000 tickets for the game.
"FAM will continue to work closely with PSM throughout the several days leading up to this Tuesday to ensure that the level or condition of the National Stadium field can minimise damage to ensure that the final action can run smoothly," he said.
