The Malaysian Football League (MFL) today announced that Bukit Jalil National Stadium (SNBJ) has been chosen as the venue for the 2022 FA Cup final between Terengganu FC (TFC) and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) on 10 September at 9.00pm.
This follows MFL’s application to use SNBJ getting approval from the Malaysian Stadium Corporation (PSM) today after MFL and the management of TFC and JDT have made a thorough inspection of the condition of the stadium field for the final of the 32nd edition of the FA Cup.
Previously, PSM announced the closure of SNBJ for any football activities for maintenance work including field repairs and the MFL is very grateful for the cooperation of PSM who approved the application for SNBJ to be used as this year’s FA Cup final arena.
In making this venue selection, the MFL has gone through a long process to evaluate the possibility of several venue options for hosting the 2022 FA Cup Final.
Not only the field factor is given priority but also very important elements such as facilities and protection for the supporters of both teams, access to public services, a wide space around the stadium that will enable security operations for the tens of thousands of fans who will be in the stadium , the support and assistance of local authorities are also taken into account.
According to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the MFL, Stuart Ramalingam, the selection of the venue also emphasizes in terms of match management, broadcasting, commercial and also stadium capacity which will allow each finalist to generate as much income as possible from the organization of this final match.
“The MFL has held talks with PSM representatives before to check and get the latest information on the condition of the SNBJ pitch and we have been informed that SNBJ is ready to be the venue for the FA Cup final this time.
“One of the elements that the MFL is concerned about is the condition of the SNBJ pitch and we got an assurance from PSM that they are committed and will ensure that the pitch is maintained at the best level ahead of the summit later.
“Currently, SNBJ is the only stadium that can accommodate 80,000 fans at one time and is in a safe condition for use. This is very important because we know the demand of the fans of both teams is very high to watch the final in the stadium.
“In addition, the MFL has also invited representatives of both teams to check the condition of the field on August 12 together with the PSM management to get views and assurances from PSM itself regarding the preparation of the SNBJ field for the final match. As a result of the meeting, all parties agreed to cooperate in ensuring the condition of the field at the best level.
“MFL also cannot compromise in terms of comfort and safety and we are aware that SNBJ has the best facilities inside and outside including public transport access to this venue.” he said.
In the meantime, PSM CEO, Faidz Sanusi clearly welcomed the MFL’s decision to choose SNBJ, also known as the ‘Home of Harimau Malaya’, as the venue for the FA Cup final for the 12th time since the first time it was organized in 1990.
“This is very good news not only for PSM as the host but also for all JDT and Terengganu FC supporters who will be present to feel the heat of the FA Cup final at SNBJ. On behalf of PSM, we very much welcome the collaboration with MFL for the organization of this final match which indirectly strengthens the SNBJ brand as the best sports hub in the country.
“In ensuring the smooth organization of the FA Cup final, it is certain that PSM will take certain measures to ensure that the facilities at the stadium are at the best level, including the condition of the field. “Since the Asian Cup qualifying round was organized last June, the SNBJ field has not been used for any football activities and in time we will carry out maintenance work on the field ahead of the final match,” he said.
Meanwhile, the MFL has also set 10 September 2022 as the date for the 2022 FA Cup final.
According to the initial plan, MFL wanted to hold the final action on August 27, 2022, but taking into account JDT’s involvement in the Asian Champions League (ACL) 2022 match against the Japanese club, Urawa Reds for the round of 16 of the best teams on August 19, 2022, so the date had to be changed done.
If the Southern Tigers overcome Urawa Reds, they will play in the quarter-finals on 22 August 2022 while the semi-finals on 25 August 2022 hence the MFL has set the FA Cup final date on 10 September 2022 to ensure all the necessary planning and preparation for both the teams taking part in the final and also all related organizations and agencies involved in the management of the FA Cup final more clearly with a decided date.
With that, the MFL has discussed the available options, the constraints faced and the uncertainty of the plan and also got the views of both teams on the need for team preparation so TFC and JDT agreed for the FA Cup final to be played on 10 September 2022.
Following the 2022 FA Cup final date set for 10 September 2022, the MFL had to re-update the Super League and Premier League schedules this season.
The two LS18 matches originally scheduled to take place on 10 September 2022 involving Melaka United FC v Kedah Darul Aman (KDA) FC and Sri Pahang FC v Kuala Lumpur (KL) City FC will be a day earlier.
Another LS18 action between Sabah FC and Selangor FC remains on 10 September 2022, but the match time from 7.30pm has been moved to 7.00pm to make way for the 2022 FA Cup final which will start at 9.00pm.
Two more LS18 actions between Terengganu FC and Penang FC on 9 September 2022 will be changed to 14 September 2022 while the meeting between PJ City FC and JDT on 11 September 2022 is set for 15 September 2022.
While the delayed LS9 match involving TFC mln Melaka United on September 2, 2022 was amended to September 3, 2022 while the delayed LS17 action between JDT against Melaka United on September 7, 2022 had to start on August 29, 2022.
Also approved by the MFL is KDA FC’s application for the amendment of the postponed match LS16, KDA FC with Penang FC on 1 September 2022 to 2 September 2022.
To fans who may have booked their flight tickets for any of these matches, please contact your club representative with your flight purchase receipt for the MFL to ensure a solution is worked out for you as was done with fans of several clubs at previously postponed matches.
In the meantime, the change in the date of the FA Cup 2022 final also affects the schedule of the last match of the Premier League, LP18 where all matches scheduled to take place on 11 September 2022 will be changed to 17 September 2022.
Regarding the sale of 2022 FA Cup final tickets, MFL will hold discussions with TFC and JDT management first before the announcement is made in the near future.
Credit Photo : Kosmo
