In the coming years, it appears that Malaysia will have another one or two world class level football stadiums to add the country’s ever-growing list.
It was recently announced that a new state-of-the-art football-specific stadium will be built in Putrajaya in hopes that the future of Asian football is set to usher in greater success and progress.
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman Ebrahim Al Khalifa and Fifa president Gianni Infantino recently confirmed the collaborative project of the new AFC Stadium in a ground-breaking ceremony in Putrajaya on Monday (October 17).
The stadium itself
Situated approximately 30km from the AFC headquarters in Bukit Jalil, the AFC Stadium in Putrajaya will be constructed on a land site spanning 15.43 acres and will be fully equipped with a grandstand, spectators’ boulevard and atrium, administrative offices, and underground carpark.
It will be financed with the support of the Fifa Forward programme and will further strengthen AFC’s ambitions to support their member associations (MAs) and regional associations (RAs) with greater efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Football Association of Malaysia and the government will provide logistical support to the project.
The stadium floor area is approximately 580,000 sq ft with a seating capacity of 10,000 and will feature the highest quality Fifa graded football pitch.
Amongst others, some of the key features also include a cafeteria, a leading-edge media tribune and media commentators’ room as well as a vibrant water feature to be constructed at the entrance of the stadium.
Malaysians have mixed reactions
News of the stadium has received mixed reactions from Malaysians so far. Although some were impressed with the plan and the intention to help elevate the Asian football scene, most were more skeptical and asked whether or not it was even necessary.
“What a waste of funds. We had a beautiful stadium in Shah Alam. Look at the state of it now. Stadiums are meant to last for decades.”
Another user also highlighted how the majority of structures in Malaysia are barely maintained properly. “Build, build, but never know how to maintain.”
Meanwhile, some users said that although it might not be built with public funds, it is still a huge waste of money as well as land or space.
What do you think of it? Is it a good idea?
Also read: M’sians Are Divided Over Demolition of Shah Alam Stadium For Brand New Sports Complex
