Kuching City Football Club have moved to clarify concerns among supporters surrounding the possible use of Stadium Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos (Larkin Stadium), Johor Bahru, as the club’s alternative home venue for the AFC Champions League Two 2026/27 campaign.
In an official statement released on Wednesday, Kuching City FC stressed that the mention of Larkin Stadium does not mean the club is leaving Kuching or relocating its home matches to Johor.
Instead, the stadium has been identified as a contingency venue should the club’s main home, Stadium Taha Ariffin, not receive AFC approval by the required deadline.
The club explained that Larkin Stadium was proposed as an alternative as part of its preparations to ensure Kuching City can fulfil its AFC competition commitments without disruption.
“The provision of Larkin Stadium as an alternative venue does not mean Kuching City FC has left Kuching or will be based in Johor throughout the ACL Two campaign.”
Kuching City FC confirmed that upgrading works at Stadium Taha Ariffin are currently underway to meet the requirements and regulations set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
The club said every effort is being made to ensure the stadium is ready within the required timeframe, with an AFC inspection and subsequent decision expected after the improvement works are completed.
The Sarawak-based club also highlighted its strong desire to experience its historic Asian campaign in front of its own supporters in Kuching.
The statement emphasized that bringing AFC football to Kuching remains one of the club’s major ambitions, with the support of players, fans, the local football community and Sarawak as a whole considered an important part of the journey.
Kuching City FC described the preparation of an alternative venue as a professional and responsible measure, rather than a sign that the club has abandoned its ambition to play at home.
With the club scheduled to play its first home fixture of the AFC Champions League Two campaign on 15 October 2026, the club believes Stadium Taha Ariffin will be ready to host the match.
The club therefore urged supporters to remain calm and continue providing their support while the stadium upgrade and AFC approval process continues.
For Kuching City, the priority remains clear — to bring AFC Champions League Two football to the people of Sarawak.
The club reiterated that its ultimate ambition is to play its home matches at Stadium Taha Ariffin, allowing supporters to witness the historic Asian campaign on home soil.
The possibility of using Larkin Stadium, meanwhile, is simply a safeguard to ensure the club remains fully prepared for every scenario ahead of its continental debut.
Credit Photo : KCFC
