Wednesday, 14 December 2011

Malaysian Schedules Delayed

SHAH ALAM - Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions Kelantan are in the frame to face V Sundramoorthy's LionsXII in the opening game of the 2012 season, but the fixture will only be confirmed next Wednesday.

Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) vice-president Datuk Hamidin bin Haji Amin told TODAY that while they have drawn up a tentative schedule of fixtures, they will only be released after a final round of checks of stadiums this week.

He said: "Early this year we imposed a rule that requires stadiums to upgrade their floodlights and pitches, up to Asian Football Confederation (AFC) standards, and we will be conducting final checks this week.

"Checks on the floodlights will determine if games will be played in the evening or at night, and after these checks, a final fixture list will be released on Dec 21."

With at least three stadiums-Shah Alam, Larkin and Cheras-remaining closed till April, some clubs are required to share venues, another issue that FAM need to consider before finalising fixtures, especially with the Malaysia FA schedule already determined.

The MSL kicks off on Jan 10, with the FA Cup to start on Feb 18.

Said Hamidin: "There will be hiccups for sure, but we don't want to release a list, then be forced to make changes and inconvenience everyone."

COMMENT - the quote in bold should make sweet reading for the jugglers in the various Indonesian and Thai leagues whose sole purpose in life it is is to change fixtures on a whim.

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