FAM secretary-general Datuk Hamidin Mohd Amin announced a few days back that Malaysia will play their 2019 Asia Cup qualifiers matches at the Larkin Stadium in Johor.
According to Datuk Hamidin, the Larkin, also known as the Tan Sri Dato’ Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium, was chosen based on a few criteria — like the infrastructure, world-class facilities and top-notch equipment.
He also noted that initially, the Harimau Malaya was supposed to use either the Shah Alam stadium or the Bukit Jalil stadium for the Asia Cup fixtures – but then they decided to move the matches down south.
While the match against North Korea will be held at a neutral venue, the match against Lebanon and Hong Kong will be played at the stadium in Johor.
The decision resonated well with some of the local football fans, given the quality of the Larkin stadium, while some fans complained that the Larkin is way too far for them to travel to catch the international games.
When future national assistant head coach, Tan Cheng Hoe was asked about whether the distance and location of the stadium poses a problem, Tan Cheng Hoe said that it will not be a problem for “true fans”.
“For me if they are true fans, this should not be a problem.” Malay Mail quoted him as saying.
He also said that every Malaysian football fan should know that the Larkin has the best infrastructure in the country.
“FAM have surveyed what is the best for the team. And everyone in Malaysia knows the pitch at Larkin Stadium is in great condition.” he added.
Meanwhile, Malaysia is still waiting for the announcement of a new national head coach.
What do you guys think? Will it be a problem to travel all the way to Johor for international games?
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