KUALA LUMPUR (21 Sept 2012) – The FA of Malaysia (FAM) have decided to ban the vuvuzela and other similar ‘noise producing’ instruments at all matches organised by the national body.
In a circular this week, the FAM Local Competitions Committee have decided to ban the instrument that was brought into international limelight at the last FIFA World Cup in 2010 in South Africa.
It is felt that these high-pitched noise producing instruments were disturbing the concentration of match officials as well as the referees. They also felt that the noise could have an adverse effect on hearing.
As such, a directive has been sent to all clubs in Malaysia to ensure that vuvuzela and other such instruments are not brought into the stadia for matches.
The vuvuzela has been the subject of controversy when used by spectators at football matches as it produces high sound pressure levels. At close range, it can lead to permanent hearing loss for unprotected ears after exposure.
Other than the FAM, others who have banned the vuvuzela included nine teams from the English Premier League, UEFA for all Champions League, Europa League and also Euro 2012 events.
