Travel Arrangements behind JDT Players’ Release from Harimau Malaya Squad
Kuala Lumpur, November 16, 2023
Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) Chief Executive Officer, Alistair Edwards, has revealed that the request to release three of their players from the Harimau Malaya squad is due to travel arrangements for their upcoming AFC Champions League Elite (ACL Elite) Group A match against Shandong Taishan in Jinan, China on November 26.
Agreement with Harimau Malaya
Edwards explained that the players, Syihan Hazmi, Matthew Davies, and Muhammad Feroz Baharudin, will return from their national team duty after their international friendly against India in Hyderabad on November 18, and JDT will then depart for China on November 21.
In an agreement with the Harimau Malaya set-up, goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi will remain with the national team, while JDT will utilize Andoni Zubiaurre in the ACL Elite. The National Team Head Coach, Pau Marti Vicente, and the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) have supported JDT’s cause in the ACL Elite, and JDT will continue to support Malaysia’s attempt to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Taking the ACL Elite Seriously
Meanwhile, Edwards emphasized that JDT are taking the ACL Elite competition seriously after making significant investments this season. They hope that a successful campaign will not only elevate the status of the club in Asia but also improve Malaysia’s ranking in Asian club football, benefiting the country’s football as a whole.
JDT’s Support for FAM’s Cause
Edwards praised the FAM and National Team Head Coach Pau Marti Vicente for supporting JDT’s cause in the ACL Elite and Malaysia’s attempt to qualify for the 2027 Asian Cup.
Early Release of Players
FAM announced earlier today that three players, defenders Matthew Davies and Muhammad Feroz Baharudin, as well as winger Arif Aiman Mohd Hanapi, have been released from the squad ahead of the national team’s Tier 1 international friendly against India.
The matches against Laos and India this month are part of Vicente’s plans to prepare the team for the 2024 ASEAN Championship next month.
Conclusion
JDT’s decision to release three of their players from the Harimau Malaya squad is a strategic move to ensure their participation in the ACL Elite. Their investment in the competition will have a positive impact on Malaysia’s football, potentially benefiting the country’s national team and clubs in the future.
FAQs
Q: Why did JDT request to release their players from the Harimau Malaya squad?
A: The request is due to travel arrangements for JDT’s upcoming ACL Elite match against Shandong Taishan in Jinan, China.
Q: Which three players were released from the squad?
A: Syihan Hazmi, Matthew Davies, and Muhammad Feroz Baharudin.
Q: Will Syihan Hazmi remain with the national team?
A: Yes, goalkeeper Syihan Hazmi will remain with the national team as JDT will utilize Andoni Zubiaurre in the ACL Elite.