PETALING JAYA: The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) welcomes and appreciates the Regent of Johor, Tunku Mahkota Ismail Sultan Ibrahim’s (pix) willingness to donate hybrid grass for the National Stadium’s pitch in Bukit Jalil.

FAM Competitions Committee chairman Mohd Firdaus Mohamed, however, said the governing body will conduct an assessment to determine if the field is suitable for use in the Group D second round 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup Qualifiers against Taiwan on June 11.

He said this is because it is understood that the Harimau Malaya home ground may be used as a venue for a concert soon.

“We are indeed grateful for the donation of the pitch by Tunku Ismail. To me, the match against Taiwan is crucial, so perhaps the new technology introduced and gifted by Tunku Ismail can help, (however) we will make a visit and there’s no compromise.

“We will only use the field if it can be used because the players are our priority. We do not want players to be injured because this is their livelihood, so FAM must take that responsibility,” he told reporters after the launch of the official ball for tournaments organised by FAM at Wisma FAM here today.

Asked if there are any other venues that FAM is considering, he said they have two in mind - either the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor or the Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium in Kuala Terengganu.