Football

Five M-League teams down with Covid-19

Over two consecutive days, the Malaysian Football League (MFL) announced the postponement of 10 games after players in five teams tested positive for Covid-19.

Under MFL's new guidelines, Sri Pahang, UiTM FC, FAM-NSC Project Squad, Perak and Police are all under quarantine as 50 per cent or more of their teams are infected.

Not only were the teams unable to play their season openers, their next matches in the following week were also called off due to quarantine.

After just the first week of the 2022 M-League season, already the MFL found themselves in the complicated situation of having to reschedule all the postponed matches.

And time is not a luxury for MFL with the national team involved in a hectic international calendar this year.

Furthermore, no one can say for sure there won't be Covid infections in teams in the coming days.

In a move to prevent Covid cases being a common occurrence in the M-League, the MFL have issued a warning, especially to "repeat offenders'.

MFL chief executive officer Stuart Ramalingam said "repeat offenders" could be fined or have to play behind closed doors. This is subject to the MFL board's consideration.

"We will see how this (Covid issues) transpires through the year. I am sure the teams don't want matches to be postponed," said Stuart.

"Also they understand the impact on the calendar and the problems the clubs themselves will face.

"But if it (Covid cases) happens more than once and because it's uncontrollable, we will surely act on it."

Stuart said the MFL are prepared for any outcome, and there is some leeway for the postponed matches during the Fifa window which will see the national team on international duty.

On the fights between rival fans in the KL City-Selangor match on Friday, Stuart said MFL will investigate the incidents.

"We will review all the reports from the match commissioner, security officers, police and act accordingly."

Several videos of scuffles between fans at KLFA Stadium have gone viral. The violence is said to have occurred during halftime and after the Super League match which saw KL City draw 3-3 with Selangor in the Klang Valley derby.

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