In a historic milestone for Malaysian football, 12-time consecutive Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are set to lock horns with English Premier League giants Chelsea FC in a blockbuster pre-season friendly at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium (SSI) in Iskandar Puteri on August 11.

The highly anticipated fixture will serve as the grand finale of Chelsea’s pre-season tour ahead of their 2026/27 campaign. The match holds extra intrigue for global football fans as it marks the beginning of a brand-new era for the Blues under the stewardship of their newly appointed, high-profile Spanish manager, Xabi Alonso.

JDT Chief Executive Officer Luis Garcia expressed immense pride in hosting one of the world’s most renowned football clubs, viewing the fixture as a testament to the Southern Tigers’ meteoric rise in the footballing world.

“This match is not only a significant milestone for our club but also reflects JDT’s rising standing in the Asian football arena,” Garcia said in an official statement. “The Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is our fortress, and this August, it will play host to a night that will surely be unforgettable. We look forward to this match and hope it will be the beginning of many more high-profile fixtures in the future.”

Garcia also noted that the London-based club would get to experience JDT’s world-class facilities and hospitality, alongside the scenic tourism offerings of the state of Johor.

For Chelsea, the trip ends a 13-year absence from Malaysian soil, having last visited the country in 2013 to play a Malaysia XI selection squad.

Chelsea Football Operations Director Pete Nuttall shared the club’s excitement regarding their return to Southeast Asia, acknowledging the immense loyalty of their regional fanbase.

“The sport of football has an incredibly passionate fan base in this region,” Nuttall stated. “This is an excellent opportunity for our supporters in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia to witness the team in action once again ahead of the new season.”

With a massive turnout expected from both local Harimau Selatan diehards and regional Premier League fans, organizers have confirmed that match tickets will officially go on sale tomorrow (May 21).

Prices will cater to a wide range of match-goers, starting from an affordable entry point of RM154 up to RM1,254 for premium seating. Fans can secure their spots through the official ticketing platform at tickethotline.com.my.