KUALA LUMPUR: Both the teams from Kyrgyzstan and Malaysia were not allowed to step foot on the pitch at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil before their World Cup qualifier tomorrow.
This is to ensure that the pitch is in good condition for the match between Harimau Malaya and the White Falcons.
Last month, the pitch came under criticism during the Merdeka Tournament when patches of zeon zoysia grass at the newly laid pitch came loose.
FAM president Datuk Hamidin Amin said the pitch is shaping up well and is better than last month's.
He said the Malaysia Stadium Corporation is working towards ensuring that the field is in the best condition for tomorrow's game.
"When I saw it one-two weeks ago, it's not in 'A' condition but it's better than before. It's good and ready to be used," said Hamidin.
"At the same time, there will be no training sessions (for Malaysia and Kyrgyzstan) at the stadium."