Coming or not coming?

KUALA LUMPUR, May 14 (Bernama) -- The Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) are ready to go ahead with the planned Manchester United match in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.

This is the wish of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi even if it means FAM could be facing serious consequences from the Asian and World football governing bodies.

FAM deputy president Tengku Abdullah Sultan Ahmad Shah said although FAM risked being suspended for going ahead with the match against their wish, the decision was made in the country's interest, and the wishes of the public and the Prime Minister himself.

AFC president Mohamed Hammam who had slammed the Manchester United trip to Asia as unethical as it would clash with the Asian Cup hosted by Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand, had urged the FAM to cancel the match that was scheduled for July 27.

Hammam's sentiments were later echoed by FIFA president Sepp Blatter who was in Kuala Lumpur to officiate at the opening of the artificial turf at the National Sports Complex in Bukit Jalil last week.

"Since the match is being organised here in conjunction with the country's 50th independence anniversary, we have to respect that cause even if means facing sanctions, including suspension by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC)," said Tengku Abdullah who also issued a statement to the media after chairing an emergency FAM council meeting here today.

According to Tengku Abdullah, FAM's two letters seeking AFC to reconsider its decision were shot down and that when he announced the decision to call off the match at the AFC Congress, it was merely to echo the wishes of Hammam and Blatter.

"However, we will continue to seek AFC's cooperation and approval in this matter to find an amicable solution that would prove a win-win situation for all. We are actually in a very difficult situation.

"We are also not going to be involved in campaigning or promotional activities for the Manchester United game as our utmost priority will be the Asian Cup," he said.

Malaysia which are one of the four hosts of the Asian Cup from July 7 to 29, are hosting Group C matches that involve Malaysia, Iran, China and Uzbekistan and all matches played here will be completed by July 25.

"We feel that since the matches hosted by Malaysia will end on July 25, we will have no problems in providing technical assistance for the Manchester United match," said Tengku Abdullah.

Manchester United who were crowned 2006-2007 English Premier League champions will be on a pre-season playing tour of Asia and will play matches in South Korea, Japan, Macau and Malaysia.

Tengku Abdullah, who is also one of AFC's four vice-presidents, is aware that his position in the AFC may also come under scrutiny by the body.

"The FAM and I are facing a dilemma, but we are willing to risk all in the name of the country," he said.

-- BERNAMA

Well, what can you say? Its a situation where "ditelan mati emak, diluah mati bapak".
No Man Utd, 27 million Malaysian will have a sad 50years of Independents year. Got Man Utd, FIFA might suspend FAM's membership and most likely we wont get to watch any international game in M'sia ground anymore.

wtf?