Malaysia's Youth and Sports Minister, Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said, has thanked FIFA for re-sanctioning the G-14-backed Champions Youth Cup scheduled to be held in Malaysia from 5-19 August. "I would like to express the government's sincere thanks to FIFA president Sepp Blatter, who has decided to give back the sanction by the world football governing bodies' executive committee at their meeting in Zurich yesterday,” she said after officiating the fourth Asian regional inter-government meeting on anti-doping in sports in Kuala Lumpur.
Commenting on the reasons behind the decision, she said one of the reasons might be FIFA's emphasis on the importance of youth development, Bernama news agency reported.
On the cancellation of Manchester United's promotional match against a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur on 27 July, the Minister said the Malaysian Government still welcomed any offer from international clubs to play friendly matches in the country.
"However, the timing should not clash with other important tournaments," she quipped.
Commenting on the reasons behind the decision, she said one of the reasons might be FIFA's emphasis on the importance of youth development, Bernama news agency reported.
On the cancellation of Manchester United's promotional match against a Malaysian XI in Kuala Lumpur on 27 July, the Minister said the Malaysian Government still welcomed any offer from international clubs to play friendly matches in the country.
"However, the timing should not clash with other important tournaments," she quipped.