The President of the AFC, Mohammed bin Hammam, stated earlier this month that the Premiership champions should not come to Malaysia while the Asian Cup is being played.

Asia's premier tournament runs from July 7-29 while United are scheduled to arrive in Kuala Lumpur to play a Malaysia Select on July 27, after games against Urawa Red Diamonds on July 17 and FC Seoul on July 20.

The Prime Minister of Malaysia, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, gave his support for the tour and issued a request to the AFC on Monday to allow the game to go ahead.

And, at the risk of facing the wrath of FIFA and the AFC, the Malaysian FA have decided to allow the tour to continue as planned.

"The FAM respects the statement by the prime minister of Malaysia that the Manchester United tour should go on as planned to be part of the celebration for Malaysia's 50th anniversary of independence," the FAM said in statement.

"We would like to reiterate that Malaysia's hosting of the single Manchester United match on July 27 will in no way diminish our commitment towards our hosting of the Asian Cup 2007.

"Since the match will be played on July 27 - two days after all the Asian Cup matches which are to be played in Kuala Lumpur have ended, the FA of Malaysia could not possibly deny all the necessary technical assistance usually accorded to an international match.

"We will fulfil our role as the national football body of the country."