Malaysian season-opener cancelled after Selangor withdraw over attacks on players

Malaysia's season-opening Charity Shield match has been cancelled after Selangor FC withdrew due to safety concerns following a series of attacks on players over the last week, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) said on Thursday.

The club's opponents Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) have been awarded a 3-0 win.

Selangor's Faisal Halim was left in critical condition after being splashed with acid, JDT's Safiq Rahim had his car windscreen smashed by unknown assailants, while national team player Akhyar Rashid was injured in a robbery outside his home.

Selangor had called for Friday's match against JDT to be postponed but the MFL said the game would go ahead after receiving a security guarantee from police.

In a statement posted on X on Wednesday, Selangor said they had opted to not participate in the match. Malaysia Super League champions JDT said they were disappointed by Selangor's decision.

"Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) will be given a 'walkover' victory with a score of 3-0 and get 3 points for the Super League match," the MFL said in a statement.

The Malaysian Charity Shield is a super cup competition, but it is also the first match of the league season with points awarded.