According to reports, the Asian Football Confederation officially informed UAE’s Al Sharjah club that the venue for the second-tier AFC Champions League final has been changed. The match is scheduled to take place on May 18.

According to the official statement from the Asian Football Confederation, the match between Al Sharjah and Singapore’s Lion City Sailors will be held at Bishan Stadium in Singapore instead of Jalan Besar Stadium. Both stadiums have a capacity of 6,000 spectators, but the main difference is the playing surface, as Jalan Besar Stadium has an artificial turf pitch.

Al Sharjah had previously submitted an official request to the Asian Football Confederation to change the venue, as they considered the artificial turf at Jalan Besar Stadium unsuitable and not up to the standards for such a high-profile match.

Al Sharjah also stated in an official announcement on their X (formerly Twitter) account: “Jalan Besar Stadium not only has a low spectator capacity but also features an artificial turf pitch, which does not meet the standards of an Asian final at this level.”

Ultimately, the request was approved, and the final will be held at Bishan Stadium, which has a natural grass pitch.