Manchester United dump Malaysia match

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2007

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP) — Premier League champions Manchester United Thursday bowed to pressure from the Asian Football Confederation and called off their planned match in Malaysia in July.

The decision followed talks here Wednesday between AFC president Mohamed bin Hammam, Premier League chairman Sir Dave Richards and Manchester United chief executive David Gill.

"This match is a key element of the Malaysian government’s celebrations of its 50 years of independence and presents a marvellous opportunity for us to play in front of our many Malaysian fans," United said in a statement.

"Unfortunately, new information has come to the club's attention concerning the FAM's (Football Association of Malaysia's) agreement with the AFC to act as host for the Asian Cup,...