The woes of the Singapore’s sports arenas continue, as more scepticism and uncertainty set in regarding the standard of quality of its facilities.
According to TODAY, the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) has requested that should Suzuki Cup matches should not be held at the iconic Jalan Besar Stadium as it utilises an artificial surface as the football pitch. Speaking to the newspaper, Malaysian head coach Dollah Salleh has scoffed at the idea of playing at Jalan Besar.
“The Suzuki Cup is a prestigious tournament, and therefore a good playing surface is important. Not on an artificial turf pitch,” he says. “Already we have some tough matches ahead and we don’t need the distraction of playing on a plastic pitch.”
Singapore plays host to the ASEAN Football Federation Suzuki Cup Group B matches, which will kick off on Nov. 23. Only three of the matches will be held at the newly-built National Stadium to maintain the condition and quality of its pitch. The National Stadium’s field has already faced criticism regarding its sandy, patchy surfaces. A high-profile rugby match between the Maori All Blacks and Asia Pacific Dragons scheduled to take place there has already been cancelled due to safety concerns.
The Football Association of Singapore are still considering a venue to host the other three Suzuki Cup Group B matches, which could possibly take place at Jalan Besar Stadium, Bishan Stadium or Choa Chu Kang Stadium. FAM secretary-general Hamden Amin has remarked that any stadium except Jalan Besar will be fine by them.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
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