Malaysia cancels trip to Malaysia

It is official now. Malaysia wont be stopping by in Malaysia for their Far East Tour.

United was to play in Kuala Lumpur on July 27. The match was arranged by the Malaysian government to clebrate the country's 50th anniversary. But when the AFC dsicovered that the date is close to the schedule of the Asian Cup, they launch an attack on Malaysia and United. They claimed that MU's visit would overshadow the region's biggest tournament.

It didnt help Malaysia when FIFA president Sepp Blatter took AFC's side. United chief executive David Gill had flown out to Kuala Lumpur last week in an attempt to resolve the impasse, only to discover the Red Devils could not play in Malaysia without the AFC's permission, something the Premier League champions were previously unaware of.

Further negotiations have only saw the AFC standing their ground. Finally, United have now bowed to the inevitable, a decision which is sure to upset their thousands of fans in the region.


Chief executive DAvid Gill, "It is very frustrating that the club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the AFC and the Football Association of Malaysia preventing such games in July. The club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago. Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture. I have written to Ministers and the Crown Prince in Malaysia to express our disappointment. I hope that the strong relationship that has been established between the Club and the Malaysian Government and people will continue and that we will be able to return in more agreeable circumstances in the future."

United remain fully committed to completing the first three legs of the tour, which takes them to Tokyo, Seoul and Macau.

To replace the Malaysia stop, United are looking to go to China; although arranging a fixture at such short notice could be tricky.

The alternative is to fly home immediately after their game in Macau on July 23 and play an extra friendly when they return home before their clash with Serie A champions Inter Milan at Old Trafford on August 1.

As pure football fans here in Singapore, why not stop over at Singapore? That would be a great ending for our National Stadium, which is set to be demolished for a new one. Singapore is just half an hour flight from Malaysia. It is very surprising that Singapore hasnt jumped on this opportunity. Maybe its the age old problem of budget.