Football fans in Malaysia are in for a treat as Chelsea will return to the country for the first time in 13 years, with the Premier League giants set to face Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) in a pre-season friendly on August 9.
The match will take place at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Johor and kick off at 8pm, as Chelsea prepare for the 2026-27 Premier League season under newly appointed manager Xabi Alonso.
Chelsea vs JDT: A milestone match
JDT CEO Luis Garcia described the highly anticipated fixture as a “milestone” for the Southern Tigers, highlighting the club’s growing presence in Asian football.
The match will also mark Chelsea’s first visit to Malaysia since their previous friendly in 2013.
Chelsea director of football operations Pete Nuttall said the club was delighted to make the JDT match the final fixture of their pre-season tour.
Tickets start from RM154
Tickets are priced between RM154 and RM1,254.
A supporters’ club pre-sale will begin at 10am on Thursday, May 21, followed by general ticket sales from noon on Friday, May 22.
JDT’s growing reputation
The match is another major moment for JDT, who have dominated Malaysian football with 12 consecutive Malaysia Super League titles.
The club also became the first Malaysian team to win the AFC Cup, further establishing itself as one of the biggest football clubs in the region. For Chelsea, the friendly will provide an opportunity to prepare for the upcoming Premier League season while connecting with fans in Malaysia.
With one of Malaysia’s most successful clubs taking on one of England’s biggest football teams, the August 9 clash is expected to be a major event for local football fans.
Follow Wah Piang for more.
