The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have postponed the introduction of video assistant referee (VAR) technology until 2019 after deciding that football's latest officiating aide is still in the experimental stage.
The VAR was scheduled to be trialled in this year's Malaysia Cup semifinals and final, before being fully implemented in the Malaysia Super League by 2018.
But after seeing that the system's teething problems at the ongoing Confederations Cup in Russia, the VAR's introduction to Malaysia has been put on hold for now.
"The FAM referee's committee feels that VAR is still in its infancy in terms of execution, and is not right to be implemented in 2018," FAM referees committee chairman Subkhiddin Haji Mohd Salleh said through a statement.
"If implemented too soon, it may cause confusion in our football administration. So, it is best for FAM to wait until VAR meets the requirements and is clearly stated in 'Laws of the Game 2018-2019'".
At the Confederations Cup, the system has been used on five occasions and caused confusion at times for spectators.
Portugal defender Pepe had a goal chalked off after a referral to the VAR in the 2-2 draw against Mexico. Chile forward Eduardo Vargas also had his goal contentiously ruled out against Cameron for an offside decision.
On Monday, Australian striker Tomi Juric saw his goal stand in the 3-2 loss to Germany, despite VAR suggesting there may have been a handball.
FIFA have defended the use of VAR, calling the technology the future of football.
FAM's Crown Prince of Johor president (TMJ) had initially planned to allocate RM10 million for the technology to be implemented in Malaysia in an attempt to improve the standard of refereeing in the country.
But former World Cup referee Subkhiddin and his committee will continue to monitor the progress of the technology, especially at the 2018 World Cup.
The VAR is expected to be fully operational, with the kinks ironed out, in time for the tournament in Russia.