AFC President meets EPL and Man Utd leaders

Asian Football Confederation President Mohamed bin Hammam today had a "significant meeting" with English FA Premier League Chairman, Sir David Richards and Manchester United FC Chief Executive, David Gill concerning the proposed match between Manchester United and a Malaysia XI team, scheduled to take part during the AFC Asian Cup 2007 in Malaysia.

The AFC President reiterated AFC’s position that the match should be re-scheduled to ensure it does not coincide with the tournament in July. AFC also explained the contractual obligations of Malaysia and the Football Association of Malaysia as a host association, and the efforts made by AFC since September 2006 to ensure that no other football competitions should take place in Malaysia for the duration of Asia’s premier competition.

“I really appreciate the gesture that David Gill and Sir Dave Richards have displayed by coming here to AFC House to meet face to face to discuss this issue,” Bin Hammam said following the meeting.

“We have presented our case to Manchester United and fully explained our position. At the end of the day, we have not left any stone unturned to seek a solution amicably, and we very much hope that we can all seek a compromise to protect the interests of the AFC Asian Cup 2007 and the development of Asian football.

“We have made the request, and we shall await the response,” he said as quoted by the AFC's website.