The health and well-being of athletes "will be given top priority amidst the worsening haze conditions ahead of the 16th Malaysia Games (Sukma), which will begin on Thursday," according to Ashreena Pillai of THE STAR. According to the Department of Environment's figures, the Air Pollutant Index is at an unhealthy level. National Sports Council Director General Datuk Seri Zolkples Embong, however, said that "there were no plans to call off the Games yet." Embong "did not rule out the possibility of postponing the outdoor events" (THE STAR, 6/25).
CARDIFF CITY CANCELS: The London GUARDIAN reported Premier League side Cardiff City has called off its promotional tour of Malaysia due to "poor air quality" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Cardiff City Manager Malky Mackay "had been due to fly out" with assistant David Kerslake, players Craig Bellamy and Mark Hudson, and other members of the club for what it called a "trip that included 1 Malaysia Cardiff City grassroots coaching initiatives, schools and meeting with the Malaysian press" (GUARDIAN, 6/25).
