KUALA LUMPUR: The global gaze has shifted to the national football arena following the distressing events involving two Harimau Malaya players, Akhyar Rashid and Faisal Halim.
The South Korean media, particularly the Best Eleven portal, is extensively covering the news of the robbery and acid attack on the two players, amplified by the fact that Harimau Malaya coach, Kim Pan Gon, hails from South Korea.
Reports from the portal indicate that both players, who represented Harimau Malaya at the Asian Cup in Qatar, face an extended period of recovery from their injuries.
Furthermore, it's speculated that Faisal may miss upcoming matches against Kyrgyzstan and Taiwan in the Group D qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup/2027 Asian Cup.
A post on Pan Gon's Instagram expressing hopes for the players' speedy recovery has also garnered attention.
The unfortunate incident involving Faisal, occurring shortly after Akhyar Rashid's attack, has shocked the football community.
Faisal suffered severe injuries, including to his face, in an acid attack at a shopping centre here.
Currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Shah Alam, Faisal's ordeal has disrupted the preparations of the Red Giants squad ahead of their Charity Shield match against Johor Darul Ta'zim this weekend.