2021 Liga Premier Malaysia champions Negeri Sembilan FC have withdrawn themselves from the 2021 Malaysia Cup, following a huge outbreak of COVID-19 cases within their squad. 20 of the Jangs‘ players were tested positive for the coronavirus, with an additional four positive cases from the club’s staff. With the club effectively under quarantine, it was seen unfeasible for Negeri Sembilan to continue on with their Malaysia Cup campaign, leaving them with no option but to withdraw from the competition.
Malaysian football has fared quite well amidst the ongoing COVID pandemic, with notable outbreaks at Kedah Darul Aman and Kuching City being only limited to two or four players. However, Negeri Sembilan’s staggering 24 cases shook everyone in the local football scene to the core, with calls being voiced out for a third vaccination designated for footballers.
It was not mentioned which Negeri Sembilan players were infected with COVID, but sources within Malaysia stated that all 24 players and staff members who were tested positive are undergoing house quarantine and are monitored for 10 days by the health ministry.
“NSFC would like to apologize to the fans because the team will not be able to continue their campaign in the Malaysia Cup competition. This is for the safety of all parties as well as on the recommendation of the team doctor,” said a statement posted on Negeri Sembilan’s official Facebook, “Continuous Covid-19 tests are being carried out for close contacts of the NSFC players and officials involved. The NSFC hopes that the fans will continue to support the team and pray for the well-being of the players and officials.”
Negeri Sembilan were drawn into Group C alongside Liga Super Malaysia sides Kedah and Melaka United as well as fellow Liga Premier side Kelantan United. All of Negeri Sembilan’s results – a 2-0 defeat away at Melaka and a 1-0 win away at Kelantan United – were expunged and the Jangs‘ future matches were declared void.
Underneath the leadership of K. Devan, Negeri Sembilan won the 2021 Liga Premier season, returning to the Liga Super after a 3-year exile. Notable players from this season include captain Zaquan Adha, formerly of Kedah, Ferris Danial, former Mitra Kukar and Arema FC defender Arthur Cunha, Cameroonian striker Alain Akono, and Togolese attacker Francis Kone. Former Borneo FC man Diogo Campos and current Barito Putera player Rafinha also took part in Negeri Sembilan’s campaign this season, prior to leaving the Jangs mid-season.