KUALA LUMPUR: Is the National Stadium at Bukit Jalil ready for the pre-World Cup football qualifier between Malaysia and Oman on Tuesday?
That is the concern after netizens questioned the state of the stadium's pitch with some "not so impressive" photos appearing on social media.
Some fans have claimed that the stadium's pitch is not in good condition after Ed Sheeran's concert there on Feb 24. A video clip, dated March 12, appeared on social media and showed the field having some bald patches.
Another video posting, on Saturday, showed that the grass was growing, but it is still far from perfect.
However, the FA of Malaysia (FAM) is not panicking, and said it stands by its earlier statement on March 10.
"From FAM's side, we are pleased with the condition of the National Stadium," said FAM secretary-general Datuk Noor Azman Rahman today.
On March 8, a concerned national coach Kim Pan Gon said he was disappointed with the pitch's conditions.
On Friday, Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh said the photos that appeared on social media, taken by drones, did not reflect the current situation.
"That's not yesterday's or today's picture. We have to wait for match day," said Hannah briefly after a press conference in Putrajaya.
Malaysia Stadium Corporation chairman Datuk Hans Isaac said on his social media page: "I can't wait for the 26th (March) guys. Malaysia versus Oman. Let's go, friends. We'll meet at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil."
In October, last year, the poor pitch condition at the National Stadium was the major topic during the Merdeka Tournament. A month later, barren patches appeared on the pitch after the
Coldplay concert.
It remains to be seen whether the National Stadium's pitch will pass the inspection by Fifa match officials just before Tuesday's Malaysia versus Oman World Cup qualifier.
Usually, Fifa match commissioners inspect the venues of World Cup qualifiers two days before kickoff.
A source told Timesport that the Fifa officials won't give approval if the lines on the field can't be seen, the grass is too long or the pitch is not safe with stones and other debris present.