Little shine for Festival of Lights in football's calendar

Malaysian football faces a recurring scheduling challenge, but the issue with Deepavali appears more complex than it initially seems. The Malaysian Football League (MFL) has justified placing its FA Cup semi-final second legs on Sunday, the day of the Festival of Lights, citing the congested domestic calendar and the need to balance various commitments.

While it's true that athletes like M. Thinaah may need to participate in international events or travel abroad, it's not the same situation for domestic sports. Sports authorities can adjust their schedules more easily than national teams or international athletes. However, the MFL could have planned differently before the season started, considering the major religious festival.

It's not unreasonable to expect that a significant day for many Malaysians could be avoided in the football schedule, especially when major clubs with large followings are involved. While hockey decided to postpone its matches for the same day, the football situation requires more scrutiny. The MFL should have considered Deepavali earlier and made reasonable arrangements to avoid conflicts.

The league's decision may impact players, coaches, officials, and supporters, many of whom are of Indian descent and celebrating the festival. While the MFL has its reasons, it should provide a clear explanation for the scheduling decision. It's an opportunity for sports administrators to learn from this and avoid similar issues in future competitions.

Deepavali will recur next year, along with other major religious festivals, so early planning and foresight could make a significant difference.