Far East Trip - Descision to be Made Soon

By Matthew Jones
May 24 2003

Far East Tour: On or Off?
By Matthew Jones

TEAMTALK Reported:

A decision on Newcastle's participation in this summer's FA Premier League Asia Cup in Malaysia is likely to be taken early next month.

Sir Bobby Robson's men, along with Chelsea, Birmingham and the Malaysian national side are due to take part in the inaugural tournament at the Bukit Jalil Stadium in Kuala Lumpur between July 24 and 27.

However, the ongoing SARS crisis in the Far East has put the event in jeopardy, and a decision on whether or not to go ahead is likely to be taken at the Premier League's AGM on June 5 and 6.

United are due to open their campaign in the 86,500-capacity stadium on Thursday, July 24 against Birmingham, while Chelsea take on Malaysia 24 hours later.

A third-fourth place play-off is scheduled for the Saturday with the final taking place on Sunday, July 27, but while that part of Newcastle's pre-season preparations may be in doubt, the club has firmed up its other plans.

Robson's men will prepare for the first leg of their Champions League qualifier on either August 12 or 13 - the Premiership season begins on the following Saturday - with friendlies against three Nationwide League sides, all away from home.

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