Malaysia’s Selangor FC, one of the country’s prominent football clubs, has opted out of the season-opening Charity Shield match following a series of violent attacks targeting players.
This decision comes in the wake of heightened security measures imposed by authorities in response to the incidents. Selangor FC cited concerns over player safety, referencing recent criminal assaults and threats.
The team’s withdrawal means they will not face off against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in the anticipated curtain-raiser event.
Among the alarming incidents, Selangor and Malaysia winger Faisal Halim suffered severe injuries, including fourth-degree burns, in an acid attack.
Additionally, Malaysia teammate Akhyar Rashid was injured in a robbery, while former Malaysia skipper Safiq Rahim narrowly escaped harm in a hammer threat.
These incidents have prompted Selangor FC’s decision to prioritize player safety and refrain from participating in the scheduled match against JDT.
“After extensive deliberation and thorough discussions with various stakeholders… the club has reluctantly decided not to participate,” stated Selangor, the 2023 Super League runners-up, in a statement released late Wednesday.
“The safety and security of our team are of paramount importance, and we take all forms of violence and threats seriously.”
Stuart Ramalingam, chief executive officer of the Malaysian Football League, acknowledged that the match would not proceed.
He also confirmed that the five remaining Super League fixtures scheduled for Saturday and Sunday would proceed as planned.
“All other matches will proceed as scheduled,” he affirmed. “No other clubs have requested postponement or indicated an unwillingness to participate.”
Football Association of Malaysia president Hamidin Mohamad Amin has advised high-profile footballers to take safety precautions, including considering the hiring of bodyguards.
Authorities are still investigating the motives behind the attacks, which mark the first instances of violence since the establishment of the country’s professional league 30 years ago.
Faisal remains in critical condition in the hospital and is expected to undergo multiple surgeries after being splashed with acid at a shopping mall on Sunday.
Two suspects have been apprehended in connection with the attack on Faisal, with one being released and the other still under questioning.
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