KUALA LUMPUR – The National Security Council (NSC) stands firm with their decision to postpone the remaining matches of Malaysia Cup due to the significant increase of the COVID-19 virus despite an appeal from the Malaysian Football League (MFL).
The MFL appeal was shot down by the NSC after the daily COVID-19 update meeting today.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the decision to postpone will stay in order to safeguard the safety of the players and at the same time, travelling interstate is not allowed during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).
“The appeal by the MFL has been heard and it is still a no.
“This virus can be spread easily, and we are not willing to take the risk. Social distancing cannot be implemented in a football match because it is a contact sport.
“Players cannot be wearing a face mask when they are playing. We need to curb the spread of the virus and continuing the Malaysia Cup is not practical. It does not only involve the players but also officials and other personnel’s,” said Ismail Sabri.
At the same time, Ismail Sabri said that the Malaysia Cup cannot be compared with the Anugerah Bintang Popular event, which will take place on Friday.
“It’s not an apple to apple comparison. We can have more control in a closed event as it is easier to practice social distancing on a stage compared to a field as I was advised by the Ministry of Health (MOH).
“We need to be consistent and fair with our decision. All other competitions have been cancelled or postponed because of this COVID-19. It is not that we are only postponing the Malaysia Cup.
“I apologise to all the football fans but this has to be done for the wellbeing of the players and also everyone else. We need to also protect the states that are in Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) so that we can contain the virus,” Ismail Sabri added. – The Vibes, November 11, 2020.
