Football in Malaysia: Mysterious attacks on players overshadow the start of the season

Malaysia’s football season begins amid serious concerns about player safety after a series of attacks.

Three members of the national team were attacked this month, leading to the cancellation of Friday’s season-opening charity game.

One of the victims, winger Faisal Halim, was in a critical condition after an acid attack at a mall last weekend.

Police have not yet determined a motive or whether there is a connection between the incidents.

The Malaysian Football Association has urged high-profile players to take precautionary measures, including hiring bodyguards.

Faisal Halim suffered severe burns after being sprayed with acid while shopping near the capital Kuala Lumpur on May 5.

The 25-year-old star winger has now undergone a skin transplant. Football officials say he is responding but remains in the intensive care unit.

Police are analyzing the fingerprints of a suspect arrested at the mall, local media reports.

In a separate incident, 36-year-old midfielder Safiq Harim was uninjured after he was attacked by hammer-wielding men who smashed the windshield of his car.

A third player, Akhyar Rashid, 26, was attacked by robbers outside his home.

The Charity Shield opening match of the season was canceled on Friday after Faisal’s club, Selangor FC, withdrew.