KUALA LUMPUR – Johor Darul Ta’zim FC (JDT) look set to forfeit the 2020 Asian Champions League (ACL) East Zone tournament in Doha, Qatar, following the National Security Council’s decision for the country’s borders to remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Even though Qatar will implement the bubble system when they host the matches from November 18 to December 13, the NSC will not allow JDT to travel for their matches.
Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said that the policy, which does not allow Malaysians to go abroad and foreigners to come into the country, included the football teams as well.
“The borders are closed, so nobody in or out of the country.
“It is the same case for football. We do not allow them to travel to ensure the safety of the players because we are also unsure with the set SOPs in the particular country. We will not take the risk,” Ismail Sabri said earlier today.
Ismail Sabri said that rules are for all and nobody is given the special privilege to travel abroad.
“Even ministers do not travel during this time although they have important meetings and events abroad,” he said.
Meanwhile, JDT Technical Director, Alistair Edwards, in a statement said that while JDT are extremely disappointed in not being able to participate in Asia's highest club competition and the Malaysia Cup, they respect the decision by the Government and understand that such safety measures need to be enforced due to the rising cases of the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The well-being of everyone — including the JDT squad that would have travelled to Doha — is a priority. We pray and hope that the world can overcome the pandemic ahead of the 2021 season,” he said.
JDT were to face Chinese club Guangzhou Evergrande on Nov 19; Suwon Samsung Bluewings from South Korea (Nov 25); Japanese team Vissel Kobe (Dec 1); before rounding up the group stage against Guangzhou Evergrande on Dec 4.
All the matches take place in Doha, Qatar.
The Southern Tigers are in Group G and sit second with three points after two matches, while Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe top the group with six points. – The Vibes, November 11, 2020.
