The Football Association of Singapore (FAS) has called off the much-anticipated Aug 8 clash between Singapore and Malaysia, saying that it needs more time to prepare for the event.

In a statement on Saturday night, the FAS said that the clash - which was supposed to be the first football match at the new National Stadium - will be postponed and rescheduled to a later date.

Said FAS general secretary Winston Lee: "The initial response to the game has been very encouraging, confirming our belief that a Singapore-Malaysia game will always be a major crowd-puller. Given the high turnout expected, and to ensure a truly memorable experience and spectacle for every spectator, FAS has concluded that it will need more time to prepare for the event.

"We have informed the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) of our decision and expressed our regrets for any inconveniences caused. We will work closely with the FAM to find another suitable date for the match. We will announce more details on the rescheduled match at an opportune time. We would like to thank everyone for their understanding."

FAM general secretary Hamidin Amin added that the FAM understands why it had to postpone the game.

"Given the good relations and long footballing history between the two countries, we remain very keen to have a Singapore-Malaysia game at the new National Stadium, and we will be working closely with the FAS to find another suitable date," he said.

The clash had already been postponed from its original May date, as the National Stadium's opening was delayed.

The National Stadium's first event will be the June 21-22 World Club 10s championship, a first-of-its-kind rugby union competition.

The venue is also scheduled to host a match between Juventus and a Singapore Selection Side on Aug 16, as well as November's Asean Football Federation Suzuki Cup.