The match between aMalaysia XI and the Spanish giants had to be relocated at the last minute.
Sports minister Khairy Jamaluddin has blasted the organisers of Barcelona’s Asia tour following the friendly against Malaysia on Saturday.
The former Football Association of Malaysia Deputy President took to twitter to express his indignation after the match was forced to relocate to the Shah Alam Stadium on Friday night on account after the pitch at the Bukit Jalil was deemed unplayable.
Event organiser for Barca tour messed up ground ops throughout. Local media & fans treated like pariahs by Barcelona.
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) August 11, 2013
On Barca tour: event org poorly advised FAM & Barca on ground selection. Prob wanted to maximise ticket sales at expense of pitch condition.
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) August 11, 2013
FAM should have SOP for event organizers bringing top teams so Msians (our team, press & fans) get maximum value from such tours.
— Khairy Jamaluddin (@Khairykj) August 11, 2013
It wasn’t just the logistical nightmare of switching venues that incensed Khairy, but the lack of consideration for local fans and media, who he claims were treated like ‘pariahs’ by the organisers, while supporters who had forked out RM688 for VIP tickets were turned away from the VIP zone by security personnel.
