KUALA LUMPUR – The Charity Shield match between Selangor FC and Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) is set to proceed as scheduled, according to a statement released today by the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
The MFL confirmed that the Super League’s opening match will take place at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, on Friday, dismissing any possibility of postponement.
This decision comes after the MFL received assurances from police regarding heightened security arrangements for the event.
The league governing body has expressed sympathy and regret over recent incidents involving Terengganu FC’s Akhyar Rashid, Selangor FC’s Faisal Halim, and JDT’s Safiq Rahim.
It strongly condemns any form of violence against players and hopes for thorough investigations by authorities.
“We have never compromised in ensuring the safety of players and supporters who come to the stadium to watch Malaysia League matches through the cooperation of the team and local authorities.
“Therefore, the MFL held a meeting with all the chief security officers of all clubs in the league today to ensure that the security coordination for each league match this season is increased.
“In addition, Johor police commissioner M. Kumar gave security assurances to players and supporters for the Charity Shield match on Friday.
“He announced that a total of 1,500 police officers will be deployed for duty, including strict control and inspection at the match compared to the usual 500 officers,” read the statement.
With these security arrangements in place, the MFL has affirmed that all scheduled league matches this week, including the Charity Shield, will proceed as planned.
With that, it added that the request made by Selangor FC to delay the match to another date has been rejected. – May 8, 2024