FA Cup Final: SAM questions non-availability of tickets for children and students

The Sportwriters Association of Malaysia (SAM) questions the non-availability of tickets for children and students to watch the FA Cup final.

Its president, Ahmad Khawari Isa saw the action of the Football Malaysia Limited Liability Partnership (FMLLP) in not allocating the special ticket as a step backward by the private sector entity which is responsible in creating spectator support fervour for local football.

The final match of the FA Cup between Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and PKNS FC would take place at the Shah Alam Stadium on May 14.

"I am astonished at the excuse that the sale of such tickets had been abused, whilst there is no report at all about it highlighted prior to this.

"In fact, the ticket price of RM50 compared to RM40 last year is seen as burdensome to supporters," he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Khawari said FMLLP should use its wisdom to meet any cost via sponsorship and not burden the spectators via a costlier ticket.

He also urged the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) to intervene and reintroduce the sale of tickets to children and students.

"FAM should not concur with the short term profit which is the practice of FMLLP. Encouraging the presence of children and students to witness important matches will firm up interest in local football in the long run," he said.

A total 60,000 tickets would be sold from 9am on May 9, tickets for the PKNS FC supporters would be sold at the Shah Alam Stadium, tickets for the JDT supporters would be sold at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Yunos Stadium in Johor Baharu while the balance of 10,000 tickets would be sold online.