Red Devils’ Malaysian trip faces further doubt

FRESH doubt has been cast over Manchester United’s pre-season visit to Malaysia following the discovery of “new information” which prevents the Red Devils playing in the country without official approval from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).

United chief executive David Gill is in Kuala Lumpur attempting to resolve a row which has erupted over a game Alex Ferguson’s men were due to play in the Malaysian capital on July 27.

The date comes before the end of the Asian Cup, which runs from July 7-29, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts. Organisers fear United’s visit will overshadow the tournament.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has already declared his belief United should not make the trip but, having been invited by the Malaysian government as part of the country’s 50th year since independence celebrations, Gill was equally keen for the Old Trafford club to go.

Gill, together with Premier League chairman David Richards, met AFC president Mohamed Bin Hammam, plus senior figures from the Malaysian government yesterday in an attempt to resolve the problem.

Despite Hammam’s call for United to reschedule their trip — an impossibility given their other pre-season obligations — it appeared Gill would still give the go-ahead.

However, United have now received documents confirming they would need the AFC’s permission to play.

“Manchester United has a series of meetings today with the Malaysian Youth and Sports Ministry, The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and the Asian Football Confederation concerning the planned match,” said a United statement.

“New information has come to the club’s attention concerning the FAM’s agreement with the AFC to act as host for the Asian Cup, which means the club cannot play the game without the official approval of the AFC.

“The club hopes that the issues can be resolved by the relevant parties to ensure that this celebration match can take place as planned.”