Man U seeks alternative after Malaysia tour called off

MANCHESTER, England - Manchester United is trying to organize an alternative friendly after being forced to call off next month's preseason match in Malaysia.

The Red Devils were due to play a game in Kuala Lumpur on July 27 against a Malaysian team to celebrate the country's 50th anniversary of independence from Britain. The invitation came from the Malaysian government.

But the match clashes with the July 7-29 Asian Cup held jointly by Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand. The Asian confederation called on FIFA to put pressure on Manchester United and the Football Association of Malaysia to call the game off.

"It is very frustrating that the club was not previously aware of the legally binding contract between the AFC and the FAM preventing such games in July," United chief executive David Gill said on Friday.

"The club believed that all the relevant permissions for the match had been secured some months ago. Manchester United has no desire to go against the wishes of the world governing body, FIFA, and as a result, reluctantly has to withdraw from the fixture."

Gill said the club was currently considering a number of options and will make an announcement as soon as possible on any alternative arrangements.