KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 4 (Bernama) -- Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) in Iskandar Puteri, the official home ground of Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT), has been selected as the venue for the 2026/2027 FA Cup final on Jan 16 next year.
The Malaysian Football League (MFL) said in a statement that the decision was reached during its third board meeting for the 2025-2029 term yesterday, as the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil is unavailable due to upgrading works on the pitch, running track, and facilities ahead of the 2027 SEA Games, scheduled for completion in May next year.
According to the MFL, SSI was chosen after taking into account key factors to ensure the smooth organisation of this season's final, including pitch conditions, logistical management, team accommodation, and stadium amenities covering the main stage, corporate suites, accessibility, security, and live broadcast operations.
"With a capacity of 35,109 spectators alongside comprehensive, top-tier facilities, SSI is the venue of choice following the closure of the National Stadium for sporting events at present.
"Furthermore, SSI's reputation as a world-class venue was also a factor, having hosted matches involving Harimau Malaya, including the Tier 1 international friendly against Palestine on Sept 8, 2025, and the 2027 Asian Cup qualifier against Nepal on March 25, 2025," the statement read.
SSI previously hosted the FA Cup final in 2023, where JDT defeated Kuala Lumpur City FC 2-0.
The MFL expressed hope that staging the final at SSI will provide the best possible experience for both teams and supporters attending the showpiece match.
Only four teams remain in contention in this season's FA Cup, namely, JDT, DPMM FC, Selangor FC, and Kuching City FC.
In the first leg of the semi-finals last month, DPMM FC fell 0-2 to JDT at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei, while Selangor edged Kuching City 2-1 at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium.
JDT will host DPMM FC at SSI, while Kuching City will take on Selangor at Stadium Taha Ariffin in Kuching in the return leg this Sunday.
-- BERNAMA
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