Team manager Rafie Robert said the report is false and he is considering filing a police report so that the authorities can take appropriate action.

In a statement, Rafie said all the club’s players and management were safe and the team is training as usual under head coach Ong Kim Swee.

“This report is malicious and has caused concern among Sabah FC’s management and the state’s football fans,” said Rafie.

“Several players, including Stuart Wilkin, Dominic Tan, Daniel Ting and Darren Lok, have been called up to the national squad for a friendly match against New Zealand at the North Harbour Stadium, Auckland, on Oct 14.

“The public, particularly Sabah football fans, are reminded not to easily believe reports that deliberately cause confusion.”

Rafie said the team is currently training for a friendly match against Tawau Football Association on Oct 12.