Gill seeks solution to Malaysia row

Manchester United chief executive David Gill is attempting to resolve the row over the Red Devils’ summer tour to the Far East.

United are due to visit Japan, South Korea and Macau before ending their four-match trip in Malaysia.

However, their visit to Asia has attracted a storm of controversy as it clashes with the prestigious Asian Cup.

Malaysia are one of four tournament co-hosts and organisers believe the Red Devils’ presence in the region will detract from the competition.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter has called for United to abandon their trip, although his comments have brought an angry reaction from fans in the area, who want to see the new Premiership champions, whose visit is supposed to mark 50 years of Malaysian independence.

“David Gill is discussing the matter with the Premier League and people abroad, so hopefully something will happen,” said Alex Ferguson.

“We want to go to Malaysia. We have made our pre-season arrangements around that but if there is a dramatic change we will have to re-arrange our schedule.”

Even if the Kuala Lumpur leg is abandoned, United are expected to proceed with the first three-quarters of their trip as planned.

Malaysian sports minister Datuk Azalina Othman Said has urged the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to reconsider their opposition to Manchester United’s trip.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have noted that the AFC had decided at its recent congress not to sanction the friendly match between a Malaysian Selection and Manchester United on July 27 at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil,” Azalina told The New Straits Times.

“I understand and fully respect the decision and reasons behind AFC’s stand, but I would have expected a little more compassion, especially from AFC president Mohamed Hammam, who is a close friend of FA of Malaysia president Sultan Ahmad Shah and Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad.

“Malaysians are passionate football fans and I do not believe that United’s one match here is going to jeopardise the turnout for the Asian Cup finals.”

United are also scheduled to play J-League champions Urawa Red Diamonds on July 17, FC Seoul on July 20 and Shenzhen FC on July 23.