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Suzuki Cup hosting fate to be decided tomorrow

SINGAPORE — The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) will meet the FA of Singapore (FAS) tomorrow to make a final decision on whether the National Stadium pitch will be in good enough condition for the venue to host the Suzuki Cup in late November and December.

SINGAPORE — The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) will meet the FA of Singapore (FAS) tomorrow to make a final decision on whether the National Stadium pitch will be in good enough condition for the venue to host the Suzuki Cup in late November and December.

With less than six weeks before the competition, which Singapore is co-hosting with Vietnam, the AFF is genuinely concerned.

In the short term, the pitch seems playable, which is good news with the Japan vs Brazil international friendly to be played on it tomorrow, but that has been tempered by an FAS statement last week, which indicated that it is of the opinion that the pitch is short of expected international playing standards.

And with less than six weeks to go until the kick off the Suzuki Cup, the AFF is expressing genuine concern. Secretary-general of the organisation, the Kuala Lumpur-based Azzuddin Ahmad, told TODAY: “The state of the National Stadium pitch is our main concern right now. We understand that the pitch is not in perfect condition.

“We will be meeting officials from the FA of Singapore on Oct 14 and a final decision will be made on whether the Suzuki Cup will proceed at the National Stadium.

“Should we (the AFF) decide that the National Stadium pitch is not ready host the Suzuki Cup, we want the FAS to show us other options. We are prepared to listen to them but for now, we are not thinking of taking the tournament away from them,” said Azzuddin.

Singapore, the defending champions, are drawn with Malaysia, Thailand and one qualifier in their group, while Hanoi will host the group also featuring Indonesia, Philippines and another qualifier.

It is understood that the FAS has offered the 7,000 capacity Jalan Besar stadium, with its artificial pitch, as a possible alternative venue.

Concern over the state of the National Stadium pitch is compounded by the fact that two major events are scheduled to be held at the venue, which could put further strain on the playing surface in the lead-up to the Suzuki Cup.

Taiwanese pop star Jay Chou’s concert is scheduled for Nov 8, and the rugby match between the Maori All-Blacks and the Asia Pacific Dragons is on Nov 15. DAN GUEN CHIN

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