Selangor FC made the decision to pull out of the Charity Shield event after the Malaysian Football League (MFL) decided to proceed with the match despite the club’s request to postpone it. Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah expressed disappointment with the MFL’s rejection of the request, citing recent criminal incidents and threats to players and team officials as reasons for their decision. The club emphasized the importance of safety and took all forms of violence and threats seriously in their statement on May 8.
The Selangor Royal Office also supported the decision for Selangor FC to withdraw from the match, highlighting the importance of prioritizing the lives and safety of the players over winning the Cup. JDT CEO Mr. Edwards expressed disappointment with Selangor FC’s decision, despite assurances from the police regarding the team’s safety. He mentioned previous incidents of attacks on JDT in hostile environments, emphasizing the need to trust authorities to investigate cases and ensure safety for the upcoming football season.
Johor Crown Prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim, owner of JDT, took to Instagram to express that the “show must go on,” indicating a resilient attitude despite the cancellation of the game. The MFL announced on Thursday that the match had been cancelled due to Selangor FC’s decision not to play, awarding JDT a 3-0 walkover victory. This decision resulted in JDT gaining three points from the walkover. Despite the cancellation and controversy surrounding Selangor FC’s withdrawal, the focus remained on safety and trust in authorities to protect the players and ensure the smooth running of the football season.
