The National Stadium in Bukit Jalil has been confirmed as the venue for the FA Cup final between Perak and Kedah on July 27 with assurances that the much-criticized pitch will be in tip-top condition for the biggie.
The pitch came under heavy criticism from national football chief coach Tan Cheng Hoe during recent international matches, including the World Cup/Asia Cup qualifying matches against Timor Leste. Days earlier the Harimau Malaya played an A international friendly against Nepal.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) chief operating officer Shazli Shaik Mohd said the stadium management has assured that from now until the FA Cup final on Nov 27 will not be used for any activities.
This is good news for Perak and Kedah. Perak stunned defending champions Pahang 4-3 on aggregate with a stunning 3-0 win in the return-leg semi-final at the Perak Stadium. Pahang won the first-leg 3-1 at the Darul Makmur Stadium in Kuantan.
Kedah rode its luck on away goals despite losing the return-leg 3-2 against Felda United at the Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka which tied the aggregate score at 3-3. Kedah won the first-leg in Alor Setar 1-0.
Meanwhile, 80,000 tickets will be sold with Perak and Kedah allocated 30,000 tickets for adults) and 750 for children each. The remaining tickets will be sold online. Prices for the tickets are RM50 (adult) and RM5 for children. – BY RIZAL ABDULLAH
