Malaysia Cup 2020 became the latest victim of COVID-19 after Malaysian Football League (MFL) announced the cancellation of this prestigious tournament with immediate effect.

Victory against Melaka United last week at Hang Jebat Stadium has helped Selangor to qualify to the quarterfinals of the tournament and The Red Giants are scheduled to face Kedah FA at Darul Aman Stadium this Friday, 13 November 2020.

However, according to the instructions of the National Security Council (MKN) and the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) a decision has been made by MFL after the appeal to continue the tournament was rejected by the MKN, yesterday.

This move was made due to the government's decision to implement Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO) in all states in Peninsular Malaysia except Perlis, Pahang, and Kelantan until December 6 following the Covid-19 pandemic.

MFL Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Ab Ghani Hassan said, his party must abide by the NSC's latest decision that the government does not allow the Malaysia Cup to take place during the implementation of the CMCO.

"First, MFL is always adhering to suggestions from the MKN. The government recommends not to continue the Malaysia Cup 2020 competition.”

"Of course, in the previous appeal letter, MFL has prepared quite carefully in line with the standard operating procedure guide (SOP) to ensure that the remaining seven-match Malaysia Cup tournament can continue. But, as I said, MFL is always keen on government recommendations.”

"Therefore, MFL through the consent of the Board of Directors has to make a difficult decision to cancel the Malaysia Cup 2020 tournament for the health and safety of all parties as recommended by the government," he said in a statement today.

Prior to the announcement, MKN had decided to postpone the tournament, before changing their stance to cancel it immediately.

The implementation of CMCO caused the cross-country ban to be enforced apart from social activities such as contact-sports activities that involve more than 10 people at the same time, which are prohibited, including football matches.

Acting Selangor head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner could not hide his frustration with this latest development but wanted to keep looking ahead.

"The situation of Covid-19 is very difficult for everyone but so are we in the football industry. I feel disappointed because the team is ready for the next tough match against Kedah but unfortunately the tournament had to be canceled,” he said.

"The players have shown good performance and I am very happy with their condition. However, we must accept this fact and focus on next season. I am confident we will have a stronger team to compete next season,” he added.

FAS hopes that all football activists in Malaysia, especially in the state of Selangor continue to persevere during this challenging time. Hopefully, the Malaysian football scene will shine again next year.

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