KUALA LUMPUR – Last night Malaysia’s hope to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup was dented by their 2-1 defeat to Bahrain at the Bukit Jalil national stadium.
But what was more alarming, and embarrassing was the condition of the field, which looked like a mini “swimming pool” even before the match started.
Why wasn’t the match kick-off time pushed forward to give time for the water on the field to subside?
Well, according to a source familiar with the matter, the management of Malaysia Stadium Corp (PSM) had earlier advised the organisers – FA of Malaysia (FAM) and Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to postpone the kick-off time by 30 minutes in order to allow the field drainage system to function better.
The source also revealed that the organisers ignored the advice and decided to start the match at 9pm.
“The drainage system in the stadium is well equipped for situations such as this. Normally, if the rain stops, it will take about 20 to 30 minutes to clear up and yesterday the downpour lasted for two hours.
“Based on that, the management of the stadium decided to advise the organisers to postpone the kick-off time,” the source said.
At the same time, the source disclosed that the manual clearing was not required, and they (Stadium Corp) did not instruct their staff to use dustpans and carboards to clear the water on the field.
“Stadium Corp management did not give the instructions. Those instructions were from the organisers.
“It would not have happened as such if the organisers had left the managing of the field to Stadium Corp authorities. But I feel that the stadium management should have been firm because they will have to bear the cost of repairing the field and also manage all the negative publicity,” said the source.
However, when The Vibes contacted Malaysia Stadium Corp chief executive Mohd Faidz Sanusi, he said the issue is being investigated but assured that it will not repeat for the remaining matches.
He also explained that the use of dustpan and cardboard was inappropriate as it can damage the field.
“We are looking into this matter seriously but at the same time I would like to emphasise that we have assured FAM and AFC that the remaining matches of the qualifiers will be managed better.
“Stadium Corp and the Ministry of Youth and Sports will start the refurbishment of the field in the first quarter of next year as well as fix other issues in the stadium that are needed,” he said. – The Vibes, June 12, 2022
