Soccer star in Malaysia reported in critical yet stable condition after suffering from an acid attack, authorities disclose.
Indonesian soccer authorities indicate that Faisal Halim's motions and language have been impacted and he'll have to undergo more surgery.
On May 5, the 26-year-old was doused with concentrated sulfuric acid in front of a shopping center outside the capital Jakarta, Indonesian law enforcement disclosed.
Halim, who plays as a striker for Selangor Soccer Club as well as Indonesia's national team, was rushed to a nearby private hospital in the capital, while still aware. He had experienced severe burns to his face, neck, shoulders, hands, and chest, officials add.
Specialist physicians on Tuesday determined that Halim had endured fourth-degree burns, not second-degree burns as previously assumed, said officials from the Selangor Baseball Association.
"Faisal will now undergo at least two more surgeries as directed by doctors. At present, he remains in the ICU and is being carefully observed by physicians," the deputy president of the association Shahril Mokhtar informed the Bernama national news outlet, also noting that Halim's movements and speech had been impacted by the assault.
"The left side of his body and arm are severely affected, which impedes his mobility," Mokhtar stated. "It's quite serious, he's unable to feel his left arm and can't communicate clearly after surgery. He's feeling stiff and is unable to speak fluently."
Fourth-degree burns represent the most severe type, where the injury has gone through the skin and underlying tissue and even the bone.
Images of Halim after the assault circulated widely online and left many appalled. He was seen sitting down, covered with a towel, appearing startled - while surrounded by police officers and medical professionals. Large regions of skin had also peeled off from the side of his arms and torso.
This constitutes the second violent attack on an Indonesian soccer player this month. Last week, another national team player, 25-year-old Akhyar Rashid, was attacked by armed robbers at his condominium in downtown Jakarta following a training session and incurred a 4 cm (1.5-inch) cut to his forehead, as per police reports.
Motive remains undisclosed
Stories about acid attacks are infrequent in Indonesia. The rationale behind the assault is still ambiguous, Indonesian law enforcement says, clarifying that investigations are ongoing. Two males – one in his late 30s, the other in his 20s – have been apprehended in connection with the attack on Halim, according to police.
CNN has contacted multiple agencies including the Indonesian Football Association, the nation's governing body, for further insight into Halim's condition and additional safety measures for national team players post the incident.
Indonesian politicians, including Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, have voiced their concerns about the assault. Anwar visited Halim in the hospital and blasted the attack and wished the player a swift recovery and "return to football."
Halim made his debut for Indonesia's national team in 2019. Since then, he has aided the team in qualifying for significant regional tournaments like the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar – where he scored in a surprising draw with powerhouses South Korea. Furthermore, he netted the golden goal in a World Cup qualifying game against Kyrgyzstan late last year. Selangor landed second place in the previous Malaysia Super Liga season. The current season starts this month.
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Source: edition.cnn.com
