AFF Cup 2024: Why was Singapore vs Vietnam ASEAN Championship semifinal moved to a different stadium?

AFF Cup 2024: Why was Singapore vs Vietnam ASEAN Championship semifinal moved to a different stadium?

The first leg of the 2024 ASEAN Championship semifinal between Singapore and Vietnam had a change in venue wherein it was moved from Singapore National Stadium to a much smaller arena.

The ASEAN Championship, also known as the AFF Cup, had the National Stadium in Kuala Lumpur as the designated venue for the final four clash, with the venue boasting a 50,000 capacity. However, pre-tournament commitments regarding the stadium saw the match shift to a ground which allows only about 6,000 people.

The clash has drawn tremendous attention from fans of both countries, with the tickets sold out within an hour of release. According to local media outlet, The Strait Times, 5,375 tickets were sold to the home fans while 300 fans of Vietnam will attend the game.

The ASEAN Championship semifinal between Singapore and Vietnam was moved from Singapore’s National Stadium to the Jalan Besar Sports Center Stadium because of a concert by Singaporean musician JJ Lin.

Lin will perform at the stadium, which is supposed to be the final lap of his world tour, on December 28. To prepare for the mega event, the authorities moved the game to a smaller venue.

Vietnam has continued its good form after the departure of coach Park-Hang Seo and qualified for the semifinals as Group-B winner. It remained unbeaten in the group stage, with its only draw coming in four games coming against Philippines.

Singapore, on the other hand, has been inconsistent, with three wins in its last six matches. It finished second in Group-A and enters the final-four match as an underdog.