Five venues shortlisted for AFF Cup
KUALA LUMPUR: Five venues have been shortlisted to host Harimau Malaya’s home games in the AFF Cup from Dec 20 to Jan 16.
The venues are the National Stadium (Bukit Jalil), Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (Iskandar Puteri), Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium (Kuala Terengganu), Hang Jebat Stadium (Melaka) and KLFA Stadium (Cheras).
The National Stadium is the official venue of the national team.
However, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) has selected four other stadiums in case the stadium is unfit for Malaysia’s two home games.
Kim Pan Gon’s side, who are in Group B, will host Laos on Dec 24 and Singapore on Jan 3.
FAM secretary-general Noor Azman Rahman today said the association would make a statement by Wednesday.
“The home venue will likely be finalised next week. We are evaluating alternative venues,” said Noor Azman at a youth coaching clinic in Subang Jaya.
“Harimau Malaya will also play two friendlies at home, with the dates and teams to be announced next week.”
As the AFF Cup is held outside the Fifa international calendar, coach Pan Gon may not get his best players for the tournament.
Nor Azman said: “It’s best for the coach (Pan Gon) to respond about that.”
Mitsubishi Electric Sales Malaysia managing director Hiroyuki Onada said it would continue as AFF Cup title sponsors for the 2024 edition.
In May, Mitsubishi Electric was announced as the new title sponsor.
NST
