New Straits Times
FA of Malaysia tournament director Ahmad Fuad Daud said Kelantan, Sabah and Sarawak — who were facing a similar problem recently, have been cleared to play their home matches at night.
But the FAM assistant general secretary, who was in Kuala Terengganu to inspect the Sultan Ismail Nasiruddin Shah Stadium for the third time on Sunday, said the final verdict will only be known either today or tomorrow.“The lux meter readings at all nine locations on the pitch were positive but it will be up to the FAM Local Tournament Committee to decide if night matches can be held at night,” said Ahmad, who stopped short of revealing if all readings were above the minimum requirement of 800 lux.
He added four other stadiums — Hang Jebat Stadium and Hang Tuah Stadium in Malacca, Batu Kawan Stadium in Penang and Selayang Stadium in Kuala Lumpur — had also failed the lighting inspection.
“But those stadiums are used in the lower leagues and all kick-offs will be in the afternoon, unless immediate efforts are taken to improve the lighting system.”
Terengganu Youth and Sports Committee chairman Rozi Mamat, who was at the stadium during the inspection, is confident FAM will deliver a positive verdict.
“We are resigned to the fact that we are unable to meet the minimum requirement of 1,200 lux for the AFC Cup but our stadium is certainly worthy of night matches for the domestic league.
“We managed to meet the minimum requirement during the lighting inspection tonight (Sunday) but I guess we still have to wait for a couple of days before we can hear the good news from FAM,” said Rozi, who is also the team manager for T-Team.
