American pop diva Mariah Carey will perform at the National Stadium this Friday as planned, but the performance stage will be repositioned off the pitch to ensure that the field will not be damaged.

The move is a boon for concert-goers who may end up "30 per cent closer" to the stage, according to the concert organiser. The concert will have a capacity of 12,000, even though the stadium can take a maximum capacity of 55,000.

The hybrid field - made of natural grass reinforced with artificial fibre inserts - was criticised for its sandy condition recently, following an international football friendly between Brazil and Japan held there last week.

Concert organiser Unusual Productions told Life! that moving the stage off the pitch and onto the track will mean that concertgoers will be 30 per cent closer to the stage compared to where the stage was before. The stage measures 21m by 15m.

They did not say how many concert-goers have been affected by the change, but the Singapore Sports Hub website states it is offering affected patrons alternative seats and a $10 food and beverage voucher, or a full refund.

Meanwhile, a decision is expected this week as to whether the Asean Football Federation Cup, to be held on Nov 23, will remain at the National Stadium, or will move to an another venue.