Lu Htet Naing, Narinjara News, 11 February 2025

The MNL Week-21 game between Ayeyawady United and Rakhine United, initially set for February 23 at Kyauk Taing Stadium in Pathein, has been relocated to Thuwunna Stadium in Yangon due to security concerns. 

The game was first scheduled to take place in Pathein but was moved due to an attack by the Arakan Army (AA) in the Ayeyarwady Region and the junta's failure to ensure sufficient security, according to a source familiar with the players, who requested anonymity, as reported by Narinjara News. 

"Indeed, due to security concerns. Certain roads leading to Chaung Thar have been blocked, and some regions are being seized. Therefore, the match has been relocated to Yangon. The players have been informed already. Even the residents are leaving, making it difficult to play in Pathein. That’s the reason they have moved to Thuwunna Stadium,” the source mentioned. 

The 2024 Myanmar National League Week-21 match was initially scheduled for February 23 at Kyauk Taing Stadium in Pathein; however, the Football Federation later declared a change due to necessary renovations at the stadium. 

A resident of Pathein Ward No. 2 voiced worries regarding the situation: “How is it possible for them to conduct football matches? The circumstances are so dire that we can't predict when the fighting will begin. Together with the soldiers and police, community members are currently protecting the wards. It's a highly concerning circumstance." 

Certain villages in the Ayeyarwady Region, adjacent to Arakan State, have been taken over by the Arakan Army (AA) and its allied forces, who are progressing towards Thabaung. In reaction, security measures in Pathein have been enhanced, as civilians are now on patrol duty. 

Moreover, the AA and allied forces recently seized the junta’s Kyar Gaung military camp located in Thabaung Township, leading to numerous junta officers and soldiers being killed or injured.