In a stunning surprise, "new information" has come to the attention of English Premier League club Manchester United today "concerning the Football Association of Malaysia’s agreement with the Asian Football Confederation to act as host for the Asian Cup, which means the club cannot play the game without the official approval of the AFC."
Manchester United CEO David Gill is currently in Kuala Lumpur attempting to resolve a row which has erupted over a game Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were due to play in the Malaysian capital on 27 July. The date comes before the end of the Asian Cup, which runs from 7-29 July, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts.
Gill has had a series of meetings today with the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry, the FAM and the AFC and the club "hopes that the issues can be resolved by the relevant parties to ensure that this celebration match can take place as planned."
According to the Manchester Evening News, "Gill will remain in Malaysia overnight in an attempt to broker a peace deal but with the AFC now in a supremely strong position, it seems virtually certain the visit will be postponed as United are due to play Serie A winners Inter Milan at Old Trafford on August 1.
"However, even if Gill reluctantly backs down, in what would be an embarrassing move for the tour organisers, United remain committed to the other three parts of the trip, which take in visits to Japan, South Korea and Macau."
Manchester United CEO David Gill is currently in Kuala Lumpur attempting to resolve a row which has erupted over a game Sir Alex Ferguson’s men were due to play in the Malaysian capital on 27 July. The date comes before the end of the Asian Cup, which runs from 7-29 July, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts.
Gill has had a series of meetings today with the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry, the FAM and the AFC and the club "hopes that the issues can be resolved by the relevant parties to ensure that this celebration match can take place as planned."
According to the Manchester Evening News, "Gill will remain in Malaysia overnight in an attempt to broker a peace deal but with the AFC now in a supremely strong position, it seems virtually certain the visit will be postponed as United are due to play Serie A winners Inter Milan at Old Trafford on August 1.
"However, even if Gill reluctantly backs down, in what would be an embarrassing move for the tour organisers, United remain committed to the other three parts of the trip, which take in visits to Japan, South Korea and Macau."