Manchester United will not play in Malaysia

2 footie posts in a go? Hmm…

Anyway, Manchester United said in a release on their official site that they will not be coming to Kuala Lumpur to play on 27 July 2007 as previously arranged. They say this is because:-

Unfortunately new information has come to the Club’s attention today concerning the FAM’s agreement with the AFC to act as host for the Asian Cup, which means the Club cannot play the game without the official approval of the AFC.

To be honest, I don’t quite care either way whether they come and play or they don’t. I was just absolutely fascinated by the accusations and gungho-ness of Malaysia vs AFC.

You see, first of all, we Malaysia, are part of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Whatever we do, whatever games we play, whatever footballing heights we aspire to start at this level. We went and asked the AFC is we could be the hosts of the Asian Cup way back in 2005. We also went and signed an agreement last year banning the promotion of any other football event during the Asian Cup Finals.

Then, some promoter comes and says, “Hey can Manchester United play Malaysia on July 27th?” and Malaysia quickly says “Yes yes! Can can! Come come!” all without giving a thought to the Asian Cup which we are hosting, and to the agreement that we signed banning promotion of any other football event during the Asian Cup Finals.

I mean, of course when the great Manchester United comes here, there must be fanfare right? Ads all over the place, on tv, in newspapers. Giveaways of tickets to see ManU thrash Malaysia, radio game shows etc etc…

Then when the AFC says ManU cannot come and play. Malaysia pouts and sulks and says “I want! I want them to come and play! I want! I want!” and we throw a tantrum and tell everyone not to “interfere” with “the Malaysian Government” because we want them to come here.

But during the whole furore, did Man United say anything? No. They were silent. They did not commit to coming or not. That is, until they released their press statement 2 days ago. Egg on faces anyone? Just because you want them to come and you are prepared to break and bend rules and agreements doesn’t mean that ManU is willing to do the same! Malaysia is hardly a great footballing nation. Whatever money we pump into the game is only so that we aren’t at the bottom of World football. So, who cares if Malaysia is gung-ho? We have nothing to lose. ManU does.

So, I’m having a good laugh at it all because we are like hot air balloons. Pumped up full of hot air and nothing else, and with 1 prick, we deflate and fall flat. I see there’s no statement yet by FAM or Malaysia on this press release by Man United.

One part of the press release irked me though:

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.

Ok, I didn’t know that. Did we actually plan to invite them here as a “key element” of our Merdeka celebrations? Do you see the irony of it all? England are our former colonial masters. They are a vastly superior footballing nation. From what I understand, we invited one of the top EPL teams to come to Malaysia and play our kuchirat Malaysian football team and in the process demolish us possibly 20-0. The best part? The whole stadium will be awash in red with the Manchester United supporters cheering on the slaughter.

Does anyone actually think that Man United will risk their reputation to allow a scoreless tie or a tie by any means against our Malaysian team? In the name of our “independence celebrations”? I hardly think so.

So, let’s see. We are inviting our ex-colonial masters to come and colonise us again. This time through football (not like its not already been done). And this time, no one will fight for our rights because our football team is utter crap! So, we are inviting a bloodbath as a “key element” of our celebrations of 50 years of Independence?

Irony? Yes! I love irony! I hate stupidity.

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