KUALA LUMPUR – As the 2023 Malaysia Hockey League (MHL) starts tomorrow, the Malaysian Hockey Confederation (MHC) has decided to use the video assistant referee (VAR) system for this year’s edition.
However, it is still uncertain if VAR will be used in all venues that will host league matches this year.
For now, only the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium has been selected to use the system because the venue has all the technical capabilities to accommodate it.
The use of VAR at the Bertam Hockey Stadium in Penang, Kuala Terengganu Hockey Stadium, and the Seremban 2 Hockey Stadium in Negri Sembilan is still under discussion.
MHC competition committee chairman Datuk Seri Anil Jeet Singh said discussions with the technical director and other committee members are still taking place.
“We have already brought this up during the last two meetings. We are trying our best to get this decided for the other venues as well,” he said during a press conference at the national stadium today.
Anil said that it is a lengthy process, and it has to go through many levels of decision-making before it can be properly implemented in the league for the coming season.
“The problem is not just about implementing the system but the collaboration between the parties such as the broadcasters, umpires, and management. We are still discussing and will decide soon.
“Although we know that a decision should be made soon, we don’t want to rush it because we need to make sure it is all done properly, so that there will be no problems in the future,” he added.
The Sumbangsih Cup between Tenaga Nasional Berhad and defending champions Terengganu Hockey team takes place at the Bukit Jalil National Hockey Stadium tomorrow.
Meanwhile, KPT-United Thunder will take on Negri Sembilan for the first-ever women’s Sumbangsih Cup at the same venue tomorrow.
MHL matches that take place on Pitch 1 of the national stadium will be broadcast live on Sukan RTM and Okey TV. – The Vibes, February 8, 2023
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