KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Stung by criticism for trying tosimultaneously organize the Asian Cup and a visit by Manchester United, Malaysian authorities have returned all their attention to the marquee regional soccer event.
The English Premier League champions were forced to scrap plans for an exhibition match in Kuala Lumpur on July 27, leaving Malaysia free to focus on hosting Asian Cup Group C matches, a quarterfinal and a semifinal.
"There are no distractions now, so we are confident that we will be ready to be a fantastic host," Hamidin Mohamad Amin, head of Malaysia's logistics committee for the Asian Cup, told TheAssociated Press.
"Our preparations are in tiptop condition in the important areas such as ensuring security and suitable accommodation for the teams and foreign visitors."
Hamidin said Malaysia was no stranger to hosting high-profile events, having organized many political, economic and sporting events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and an annual Formula One Grand Prix.
Malaysia's facilities were never the big worry for the Asian Football Confederation, which strenuously objected to Manchester United's planned visit for fear that it would distract Malaysia from properly promoting the Asian Cup matches. Malaysia's co-hosts are Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Despite Malaysia's insistence that it could handle both the Asian Cup and United's visit, the AFC compelled the powerhouse British club to scrap the Malaysian portion of its upcoming Asian tour.
It pointed out that the Malaysian government and the Football Association of Malaysia had contractual obligations with the AFC not to host any other soccer competition during the Asian Cup.
The FAM's assistant general secretary, Noor Kefli Mohamad Sulong, said the AFC should not fret any longer about Malaysia's commitment to the Asian Cup, since promotional banners and posters adorn prominent streets and an advertising campaign has been launched.
source:http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaillsport.asp?fileid=20070628151629&irec=0
The English Premier League champions were forced to scrap plans for an exhibition match in Kuala Lumpur on July 27, leaving Malaysia free to focus on hosting Asian Cup Group C matches, a quarterfinal and a semifinal.
"There are no distractions now, so we are confident that we will be ready to be a fantastic host," Hamidin Mohamad Amin, head of Malaysia's logistics committee for the Asian Cup, told TheAssociated Press.
"Our preparations are in tiptop condition in the important areas such as ensuring security and suitable accommodation for the teams and foreign visitors."
Hamidin said Malaysia was no stranger to hosting high-profile events, having organized many political, economic and sporting events including the 1998 Commonwealth Games and an annual Formula One Grand Prix.
Malaysia's facilities were never the big worry for the Asian Football Confederation, which strenuously objected to Manchester United's planned visit for fear that it would distract Malaysia from properly promoting the Asian Cup matches. Malaysia's co-hosts are Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Despite Malaysia's insistence that it could handle both the Asian Cup and United's visit, the AFC compelled the powerhouse British club to scrap the Malaysian portion of its upcoming Asian tour.
It pointed out that the Malaysian government and the Football Association of Malaysia had contractual obligations with the AFC not to host any other soccer competition during the Asian Cup.
The FAM's assistant general secretary, Noor Kefli Mohamad Sulong, said the AFC should not fret any longer about Malaysia's commitment to the Asian Cup, since promotional banners and posters adorn prominent streets and an advertising campaign has been launched.
source:http://www.thejakartapost.com/detaillsport.asp?fileid=20070628151629&irec=0
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