Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and Malaysian Football League (MFL) have announced that all upcoming matches are suspended from 16 March 2020 until further notice. The decision was made in response to the COVID-19 coronavirus that has accumulated over 400 confirmed cases nationwide.
The postponement of matches came as a joint agreement by league shareholders, representatives of the National Sports Institute (ISN), Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), National Sports Council (MSN) and sponsors. “It was a difficult decision to make, but I believe it is best for the players, officials, supporters, and the entire national football industry,” stated FAM and MFL president Datuk Haji Hamidin Haji Mohd Amin.
Penangguhan Perlawanan Berkuat Kuasa
Selesai aksi-aksi MPFL & Piala Belia yang berlangsung tanpa penonton pada Sabtu & Ahad, maka bermula Isnin 16 Mac 2020, semua pertandingan di bawah kelolaan FAM termasuk Piala Presiden adalah ditangguhkan kerana COVID-19.#FAM #HarimauMalaya pic.twitter.com/qX3qOJJ7Mf
— FA Malaysia (@FAM_Malaysia) March 15, 2020
He also added that the national team will not undergo any training and confirmed that there would be no friendly matches throughout the month of March. This is also taking into account of the guidelines set by the International Football Federation (FIFA) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Furthermore, Datuk Haji Hamidin said that he hopes that all parties, including the operators of the social leagues, could work together to address the serious issue of the outbreak. FAM and Malaysian Football League will announce the new dates of league and tournament matches in the near future.
Outside of Malaysia, international football leagues including EPL, UEFA, and La Liga also suspended their upcoming matches as a preventive measure against the COVID-19 outbreak. Additionally, other sports associations such as the NBA, PGA Tour, and NHL have taken similar actions.
(Source: Football Association of Malaysia / CBS Sports| Header image: Reuters)
