KUALA LUMPUR: The Merdeka Tournament, Asia's oldest football competition, could lose its glitter and prestige due to a fan boycott.
The FA of Malaysia (FAM) remains hopeful that attendance at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil will be respectable when the tournament kicks off on Wednesday.
Reports indicate poor ticket sales, with fewer than 1,000 tickets sold as of Sunday for the opening matches.
On Wednesday, Malaysia will face the Philippines, while defending champions Tajikistan will take on Lebanon.
Last year, 46,000-odd fans watched Malaysia beat India 4-2 in the opening match at the National Stadium.
The final between Tajikistan and Harimau Malaya drew 37,000-odd fans with the former lifting the trophy following a 2-0 victory.
FAM local competitions committee chairman Firdaus Mohamed voiced his disappointment at the low ticket sales.
"I am deeply saddened by the reported figures. If these numbers are accurate, it's a serious blow to Malaysian football.
"The Merdeka Tournament is an invitational event held during the FIFA window. Poor attendance could deter other national teams from accepting future invitations," said Firdaus.
Malaysian fan clubs, including Ultras Malaya have taken to social media to announce their decision to boycott the tournament, citing various issues with FAM.