TMJ disapproves Selangor’s usage of Bukit Jalil National Stadium

Last season the Malaysian Super League team had to play their home matches at the Selayang Stadium, as their conflicts with the state government saw their request to use the Shah Alam Stadium, which had been their home for over 20 years, being rejected.

For the upcoming M-League season, after another refusal from the state government and the Selayang Stadium failed to meet the floodlight standards, the Red Giants managed to secure a green light to use the national stadium.

However, the Crown Prince of Johor (TMJ) revealed on Tuesday that fixture clashes will arise due to the stadium’s multi-purpose nature.

"The national stadium management has confirmed that four out of [Selangor's] six first home games need to be moved to accommodate events that have been scheduled to be held at the stadium," read his statement posted on the Football Association of Malaysia's (FAM) official Facebook page.

"More [Selangor home] games might potentially be moved should there be more requests to use the stadium for national or international events.

"Both the stadium management and FMLLP have tried to work together to study this matter, but it is impossible to guarantee the stadium will always be available throughout the year."

He added that the 33-time Malaysia Cup winners should not be using the national stadium just because the Selayang Stadium’s floodlights did not meet the standards set by FMLLP.

"It is Selangor's responsibility to improve the floodlights [at the Selayang Stadium] so that they can play at night," he said.

"Even [FAM League side] PJ Rangers are able to invest in the MBPJ Stadium to make it a suitable venue, so what reason do a Super League side like Selangor have?"

TMJ also expected himself and FMLLP to be criticised for their tough stance on the matter, but insisted it is unavoidable.

"I am trying to raise the value of the league and give more broadcasting money to all teams and make actual progress," he concluded.