Kuala Terengganu police chief Azli Noor said the 25-year-old footballer was attacked as he was getting out of his car after returning from training at Sultan Mizan Zainal Abidin Stadium at around 8.30pm.

He said the victim was struck with an iron rod by two unidentified suspects dressed in black and wearing masks.

“He suffered a 4cm gash on the crown of his head, and had to receive four stitches on his head and two stitches on his left leg.

“The suspects fled after taking the victim’s money,” Azli said when contacted, adding that police are tracking down the suspects.

Azli said Akhyar was allowed to return home after receiving treatment at Sultanah Nur Zahirah Hospital.

The case is being investigated under Section 394 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years and whipping upon conviction.

TFC CEO Sabri Abas asked the public to refrain from speculating on the robbery.

“We take this incident seriously. However, we urge the public, especially football fans, not to engage in wild speculation to avoid disrupting the authorities’ investigation,” he said in a statement on TFC’s official Facebook page today.

Sabri also called on supporters to pray for Akhyar’s swift recovery.

Akhyar, originally from Kedah, was loaned by Johor Darul Ta’zim to TFC this season to assist the team in navigating the Malaysian League.