FAM deputy president Yusoff Mahadi stressed the importance of taking player safety seriously, especially after recent incidents involving three local footballers – one of whom was left in critical condition.
“Proactive measures must be taken because unforeseen circumstances can occur, especially after matches conclude,” he said in a Bernama report.
“Maximum attention should be paid to the safety of all teams, not only at the stadium but also when players are commuting to and from the stadium.”
Yusoff, who wants this implemented from this week, said while such measures might increase the workload for MFL and state football associations, player safety must be prioritised to prevent similar incidents from recurring.
As the Amateur Football League (AFL) chairman, Yusoff said even the M3 League, which has now been renamed the Semi-Pro A1 League, will prioritise safety measures.
“The AFL will detail safety aspects for players before the Semi-Pro A1 League begins next month,” he added.
Three attacks on footballers in the space of one week has led to Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain urging footballers who fear for their safety to lodge police reports. FAM was also reported to have said players should consider hiring bodyguards.
On May 2, Terengganu FC winger Akhyar Rashid was attacked by two robbers after returning home from training.
Three days later, Selangor FC winger Faisal Halim was the victim of an acid attack at a mall. He suffered fourth-degree burns and was warded at the intensive care unit due to his critical condition.
The third incident on May 7 saw former national team and Johor Darul Takzim (JDT) skipper Safiq Rahim’s car’s rear windscreen smashed after he returned home from training.
MFL cancelled last Friday’s Charity Shield match between Selangor FC and JDT following the former’s decision to withdraw due to safety concerns.
Police have since arrested two suspects believed to have been involved in the acid attack on Faisal, who underwent a third surgery on Thursday afternoon.
Selangor FC board member Shahril Mokhtar told Bernama on Friday that Faisal could now walk in his hospital room and was keen to return home.