Malaysian player withdraws from soccer season opener after attack

A Malaysian international footballer has been attacked with acid, while two other prominent players were assaulted within a week by unknown assailants, marking a rare outbreak of violence targeting athletes in the country.

Selangor FC has announced their withdrawal from a scheduled match against Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in light of the incidents.

Police confirmed similarities in the three attacks, indicating deliberate targeting of the victims, though a definitive link between the cases remains undetermined.

Faisal Halim, a winger for both the national team and Malaysian club Selangor, is in critical but stable condition with fourth-degree burns following the acid attack at a shopping mall. Another national team player, Akhyar Rashid, suffered head and leg injuries in a robbery outside his home. Former national team captain Safiq Rahim narrowly escaped physical harm after being threatened and having his car's rear window smashed.

Investigators note that the players were surveilled before the attacks and that assailants operated in pairs.

Two individuals were initially detained in connection with Faisal's attack, with one later released.

Authorities are exploring potential links between the assaults and a recent letter to the Malaysian soccer federation (FAM) alleging mismanagement of funds, bribery, and fraud, though these claims have been refuted by the country's anti-graft agency.

Police advise professional footballers to remain vigilant, with FAM recommending that star players consider hiring bodyguards.

Selangor FC has launched a solidarity campaign for Faisal, while security measures for players have been bolstered by Safiq's Johor team.