English football powerbrokers head for AFC showdown

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Two of English football's top powerbrokers are due in Malaysia this week to resolve a drawn-out row over Manchester United's planned Asian tour.

Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards and Manchester United chief executive David Gill will meet with Asian Football Confederation president Mohamed bin Hammam either Wednesday or Thursday, AFC officials said.

Bin Hammam, backed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter, has demanded United postpone a planned match against a Malaysian XI on July 27 and cancel the rest of their tour as it clashes with the Asian Cup finals from July 7-29.

He reiterated Tuesday his position that United, or any other club, cannot play in countries hosting Asian Cup matches while the tournament is on.

"We are still...