Malaysia gives Jalan Besar Stadium the cold shoulder

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http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/malaysia-asks-for-natural/1430028.html

The iconic 55,000-seater National Stadium has already been given the green light by the AFF after a recent commitment by stadium authorities Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) to deliver a playable surface when the group kicks off on Nov 23.

The 8,000-capacity Jalan Besar Stadium, which has an artificial surface, has been mooted by the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) as a possible complementary venue, along with the Bishan and Choa Chu Kang stadiums.

This follows the request by SHPL that the National Stadium host only three – instead of all six – of the Group B matches so as to maintain the condition and quality of the pitch.

TODAY has learnt that the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), whose national team are drawn in Group B alongside hosts and defending champions Singapore, Thailand and Myanmar, has suggested the Yishun Stadium as a possible venue for the other matches.

Said FAM secretary-general Hamidin Amin: “We are writing to the AFF requesting that they should not consider Jalan Besar Stadium as the second venue. I believe all the other teams in the group also do not like the idea of playing on artificial turf.”

Malaysian head coach Dollah Salleh has also given the cold shoulder to the idea of playing at Jalan Besar.

“The Suzuki Cup is a prestigious tournament... Already we have some tough matches ahead and we don’t need the distraction of playing on a plastic pitch,” Dollah told TODAY.

The AFF will meet the FAS to finalise the decision on the alternate venue, with the National Stadium likely to host all three matches involving the home team.

FAM’s Hamidin said any stadium – except Jalan Besar – is fine by them.