Manchester United have been forced to cancel a proposed match in Kuala Lumpur as part of their Far East tour. United had been invited to play in Kuala Lumpur on July 27 by the Malaysian government as part of the country's 50th anniversary celebrations.
However confirmation of their visit drew an instant attack from the Asian Football Confederation, who felt United's presence would overshadow the Asia Cup, for which Malaysia are one of four co-hosts.
With FIFA president Sepp Blatter supporting the AFC's argument, United chief executive David Gill flew out to Kuala Lumpur last week in an attempt to resolve the impasse, only to discover the Red Devils could not play in Malaysia without the AFC's permission, something the Premier League champions were previously unaware of.
Further negotiations have since taken place but with the AFC determinedly sticking to their stance, United have now bowed to the inevitable, a decision which is sure to upset their thousands of fans in the region. A statement on United's website said: "Manchester United regrets to announce that it has not been possible to resolve the difficulties over the proposed game in Malaysia on 27 July.
"The Club was honoured to be invited by the Malaysian Government to play in the game to mark the country's 50 years of independence and regrets the fact that it will not be able to play in front of thousands of its fans in the country. "The Club is currently considering a number of options and will make an announcement as quickly as possible on any alternative arrangements."
David Gill, the club's Chief Executive, said: "It is very frustrating that the Club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the AFC and the FAM preventing such games in July.
The club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago. Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture.
"I have written to Ministers and the Crown Prince to express our disappointment. I hope that the strong relationship that has been established between the Club and the Malaysian Government and people will continue and that we will be able to return in more agreeable circumstances in the future."
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