KUALA LUMPUR – The 2023 Malaysia Cup final on December 9 could see the implementation of the video assistant referee (VAR) system.
According to Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam, discussions with the VAR supplier have started but are still in the early stages.
“The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has also started training sessions for referees, which would take 6 to 7 months.
“This is why the MFL and FAM are trying to implement the system at the last stage of the season. Many things also need to be done, such as improving the infrastructure and internet network in stadiums.
“Implementing VAR is very expensive and MFL wants to ensure that the system is used for a long period of time and (would be) fully prepared for the 2024 season,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 2023 season will also see six trophies up for grabs – the Sumbangsih Cup, Super League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup, MFL Challenge Cup, and MFL Cup.
The 14 clubs that will compete for the 2023 Super League title are Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Terengganu FC, Sabah FC, Negri Sembilan FC, Selangor FC, Kuala Lumpur City FC, Sri Pahang FC, Kedah Darul Aman FC, Penang FC, Kelantan FC, Kuching City FC, Kelantan United FC, PDRM FC, and Perak FC.
The MFL Cup will feature the U-23 squads from the Super League clubs and one team from the FAM-MSN Project Squad.
Stuart clarified that UiTM FC withdrew from the season as they failed to secure funds while PJ City FC failed to acquire new investors.
The league will also introduce evening kick-off times for the 2023 Malaysia League season.
There will now be matches that start at 5.30pm or 5.15pm for Peninsular Malaysia and 4.30pm or 4.45pm for Sabah and Sarawak.
Stuart said this is to inject a new atmosphere and experience for supporters.
“Earlier kick-offs give a new advantage and create a new ‘fan base’.
“It surely has pros and cons, but it will also create a more dynamic match day,” he said during a press conference after the 2023 Malaysia League Calendar Briefing today.
During Ramadan, match times are 8.15pm, 9pm, and 10pm for Peninsular Malaysia, and 7.30pm, 8.15pm, and 9.15pm for Sabah and Sarawak.
The Sumbangsih Cup will kickstart the Super League season and besides claiming the cup, the winner will get three points. The match between JDT and Terengganu FC will take place at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on February 24.
This year will also see the reintroduction of the MFL Challenge Cup since its last edition in 2019. Eight teams that fail to enter the quarter-finals of the Malaysia Cup will compete in the tournament. – The Vibes, January 26, 2023
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