
Asian soccer8217;s governing body voiced fears that Manchester United8217;s plan to tour Asia in July could jeopardise the region8217;s flagship tournament.
Mohamed bin Hammam, president of the Asian Football Confederation, on Sunday said United8217;s planned visit was 8220;of particular concern8221; because it could hurt efforts to promote the July 7-29 AFC Asian Cup.
8220;The Manchester United tour dates clash with the AFC Asian Cup, and AFC doesn8217;t want any competitions to be promoted or organised during the month of July,8221; Hammam said. Malaysian officials recently announced that Manchester United will play a friendly soccer match in Malaysia on July 27. The match follows a deal that United signed last year to support tourism in this Southeast Asian country.
United are also reportedly expected to visit countries in East Asia.
The Malaysia FA has denied the United match would undermine attendance at Asian Cup pool games to be staged in Malaysia, which is co-hosting the event with Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.