PETALING JAYA: Why the postponement?
Perak’s football chairman Datuk Seri Abdul Azim Mohd Zabidi is disappointed that their Super League match against Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) at Perak Stadium on Saturday was postponed due to heavy rain in Ipoh.
It was supposed to kick off at 8.15pm but had to be delayed until 9.50pm before the Malaysian Football League (MFL) finally announced that the game could not go on due to the field’s poor condition.
The game, which was first scheduled for Aug 17, had been postponed to Oct 5.
Azim clarified that his side were not consulted on the decision by the MFL and expressed his disappointment about it.
He said the club shared the disappointment with their fans and the footballing community over the postponement, due to alleged inclement weather and unsuitable pitch.
“We wish to clarify that at no time during this decision-making process that we were consulted or allowed to provide our input,” he said.
“Perak, as part of the Super League, have always adhered to the rules and regulations set by MFL and FAM, including the assessment of the suitability of our home stadium.
“Our stadium has been assessed and approved both before the start of the league and ahead of Saturday’s match.
“We acknowledged and have consistently supported the need for improvements to our home ground pitch. While the stadium is not under our direct management, we would like to express our gratitude to the Youth and Sports Ministry and the Ipoh City Council for the ongoing efforts to upgrade the field and other aspects of the stadium.
“We are disappointed that better planning and more advanced notice was not provided by MFL. Over 10,000 fans, home and away, travelled at their own expense to witness a much-anticipated football spectacle and as of 6pm, there was no indication that the game would be postponed.
“MFL’s decision must prioritise timeliness, consistency, and practicality to ensure a better experience for all stakeholders.
“We take this opportunity to remind that the fanbase represents the lifeblood of the sport.”
He added that there should be more more clarity and planning from MFL in the future to avoid such inconveniences.
