Manchester United vs Malaysia XI - Off?

6 May 2007
“The Manchester United tour dates clash with the AFC Asian Cup and AFC doesn't want any competitions to be promoted or organised during the month of July…If the tour goes ahead then it will be a breach of the OAA (Organising Association Agreement).” - Asian football chief Mohamed Bin Hammam, Soccernet

8 May 2007
FIFA president Sepp Blatter has thrown his weight behind calls for Manchester United to look again at this summer's controversial tour of Asia. - Soccernet

11 May 2007
"This is what the government wants. All Malaysians will enjoy the Manchester United game…I don't think we should reject this tour. I hope the AFC understand this." Pak Lah told media, quote by BBC

19 May 2007
“There is room for compromise. We have sought an audience with the prime minister ... We owe it to him to explain our side of the story… AFC had never called for the United game on July 27 to be called off. We only want them to reschedule their match” – Mohamed Bin Hammam respond to Pak Lah statement.

Here the story:

While planning activities for Visit Malaysia Year 2007 with the conjunction of 50^th years of independent celebration, Malaysia government organizes various world class sporting events to promote sport tourism. Event such as Formula One, Roger Federer vs Pete Sampras, Badminton Super Series, Malaysia Open Tennis Championship, Sultan Azlan Shah Hockey Tourney and of cause Asia Cup Final (one month of July) and Manchester United exhibition match (27 July) against Malaysia selection - the problem occurs here.

1. FAM already signed an agreement with AFC that they will not organize any high profile event to divide media and fans attention from AFC Cup during one month period. (July)
2. FIFA rules indicate any government must approach them for any Category A match through football association, in this case FAM

So, FAM as we all knew their level of stupidity plan to organize the match without realize they violate the agreement. AFC president warn them about the issue. Our beloved prime minister stupidly getting himself involves and makes the matter worst. When AFC refuse to allow the match even with Pak Lah instruction, everybody slam AFC and label them as arrogant and failed to repay Malaysia deeds, including set up AFC ‘home’ near Bukit Jalil.

My view:

FAM – Stupid, what we can expect from this bunch of idiot.

Pak Lah – Stupid, why he need to publicize his support?

Mohamed Bin Hammam – Correct, cool…

Other politic figures that slam AFC – Damn stupid, just shut your month. (Including ‘the son in law’)

My suggestion:

1. Reschedule the match to early August (if possible). M.U should agree to reschedule their plan since we (Malaysian) throw our money to them via sponsorship (AirAsia and Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board) and TV right (Astro)
2. Forget Mangkuk, and invite other club or national team to play in early August.
3. We not really celebrate our national football team, so just forget about the exhibition match.

I realize if we follow AFC instruction, we lose some face. But, it is our own damn mistake. Furthermore we not rank that high in football world anyway.