The strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP) in the country could derail Malaysia's hopes of hosting one of the Asian Cup qualifying groups.
FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president Datuk Yusoff Mahadi confirmed that the national body have sent their bid to host Harimau Malaya's group to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
"However, I was informed that the country's quarantine requirement and SOP could be a setback for Malaysia to host it.
"We are also worried that the government might not allow international competitions to be hosted in the country due to Covid-19.
"But if we can get a guarantee, then we will have a chance of hosting the qualifiers," said Yusoff, adding that the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will be the official venue if Malaysia win the bid.
The qualifiers start in June.
World No 154 Malaysia are in Pot 3 for the draw with Afghanistan, Yemen, Myanmar, Maldives and Singapore. The draw is scheduled for Feb 24.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) hope the concerned M-League teams will host their respective groups in the Asian Champions League (ACL) and the AFC Cup as it will indirectly reduce quarantine dates.
Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will play in the ACL (on April 7-Feb 26, 2023), while KL City and Kedah have qualified for the AFC Cup (May 18-Oct 22).
The MFL have put aside 28 quarantine days on the M-League calendar for teams who return from their ACL and AFC Cup campaigns.
MFL chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam said AFC's decision to hold both competitions in centralised venues for a second-year running was a good idea.
"Once the calendar comes out after the draw tomorrow, we will know which country will host which group.
"I wish we could have both competitions here as we will have more dates for the domestic league," said Stuart.
