PETALING JAYA, Aug 6 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) will continue with its approach of using foreign referees to officiate the 2024 Merdeka Tournament matches held at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil next month.
2024 Merdeka Tournament Local Organising Committee chairman Mohd Firdaus Mohamed said this is to show their transparency in a bid to elevate the prestige of the tournament in Asia, which is into its 43rd edition this year.
Mohd Firdaus, also the FAM vice-president, said the referees to be appointed would be among those certified by FIFA (International Federation of Association Football).
“… this competition comes under the FIFA calendar, so we cannot take this matter lightly.
“We have identified several referees at the Asian level but cannot reveal their names yet as we are still in discussion,” he told a media conference during the 2024 Merdeka Tournament draw ceremony at Wisma FAM here today.
Meanwhile, he said the use of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) at the Merdeka Tournament is still under discussion, and that the pitch at the National Stadium has been “approved” for use in the tournament.
Earlier, in the draw, Malaysia have been pitted against the Philippines and defending champions Tajikistan against Lebanon. The matches will be played on Sept 4, with the Malaysia-Philippines match starting at 9 pm.
-- BERNAMA
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