Ahead of yet another ‘most important fixture of this season, thus far’, Kuala Lumpur City’s Chief Executive Officer, Stanley Bernard told his team to not be distracted by recent events a little further from home, but to remain focused on the task at hand in next week’s AFC Cup 2022 ASEAN Zonal Final against Indonesia’s PSM Makassar.
Late on Monday (August 15, 2022), the Federation International de Football Association (FIFA) imposed an immediate ban on the All India Football Federation (AIFF) due to interference by government officials/agencies. What this means for the City Boys is that Indian side ATK Mohun Bagan, who emerged as South Asian Zone winner and were drawn to meet the ASEAN Zone champions in the East Asia Inter Zone semi-final, will also be barred from competing in the next round.
While this development certainly brings some cheer (and confusion?) to both sets of camps in Kuala Lumpur and Makassar, Stanley when contacted by Kosmo yesterday (August 17, 2022), said the most important task was for the players and staff to get into the right frame of mind for this group stage repeat clash.
“I think it’s extremely vital for us to focus on the match vs PSM Makassar (and not get carried away by the news). Although this motivates us even more after knowing (ATK) Mohun Bagan’s situation, but our overall attention should be towards PSM Makassar.”
Continuing, he mentioned,
“FiFA were unanimous in suspending AIFF with immediate effect because of third party influence, a serious beach of FIFA Statutes.”
“(From what I understand) This ban would be revoked after a new administrative (management) committee is formed, but until that happens, even the Under-17 Girls World Cup in India (from October 11-30, 2022), cannot be held there.”
The City Boys first have to navigate the challenge posed in the form of high riding Negeri Sembilan, who come visiting to Cheras tonight in the Super League, threatening to derail the Red & White’s celebrations in making it to the South East Asian Zonal Final after their 6-5 sudden death penalty shootout win over Vietnam’s Viettel in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon) last week, following a scoreless draw at the completion of extra-time.
The Super League Match Day 17 fixture between Kuala Lumpur City and Negeri Sembilan is on Thursday, August 18, 2022, at 8.15 pm (2015hrs), at the Kuala Lumpur Football Stadium, Bandar Tun Razak, Cheras.
Tickets for the Super League match against Negeri Sembilan are available at the following link, https://www.tickethotline.com.my/
For Season Ticket Holders (B2 City Boys), enjoy direct access for purchase through the Club without the hassle and limitations of the online system (Contact Shamim for details).