Malaysia Cup: Up to 20,000 spectators allowed in states under Phase Four of PPN

KUALA LUMPUR: The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has confirmed that 50 per cent of the venue capacity or a maximum of 20,000 spectators are allowed to go to the stadium to watch the 2021 Malaysia Cup matches in states under Phase 4 of the National Recovery Plan (PPN).

In a statement today, MFL also said that for states under Phase 3 of the PPN, it would be 30 per cent of the venue capacity or a maximum of 10,000 spectators, while for Phase 2 states, it was 20 per cent or a maximum of 5,000 spectators.

"Based on the SOP (standard operating procedures) issued by the National Security Council (MKN), the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports (KBS), the number of supporters allowed to enter the stadium is according to the phase (the respective state is in).

"It is a good step to boost the country's football industry, especially as we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Malaysia Cup after the tournament had to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic last year," said MFL president Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan.

Ab Ghani added the MFL also gave permission to clubs to determine the number of spectators based on the capability of the management of the stadium staff and security team on the day of the match.

Last month, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob announced that fully vaccinated individuals aged 18 and above could attend sports matches as spectators, effective Oct 1.

Ismail Sabri, who is also chairman of the COVID-19 Pandemic Management Special Committee, said the spectators or supporters should wear face masks throughout the match, and no eating and drinking activities were allowed in the stadium.

Meanwhile, Ab Ghani said any team that wanted to allow spectators to come to the stadium for friendly matches during the Malaysia Cup break until Oct 28, would have to inform the MFL in advance.

"The complete SOPs regarding supporters entering the stadium starting Oct 29 will be given to the teams in the near future," he said.

-- BERNAMA