AFC criticism of United tour "unbalanced" - Japan

TOKYO, May 10 (Reuters) Japan's soccer chief Saburo Kawabuchi has called criticism of Manchester United's July tour of Asia ''unbalanced,'' Japanese media reported today.

Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Mohamed Bin Hammam has accused United of being disrespectful by organising a pre-season tour which clashed with the Asian Cup.

However, Kawabuchi said the AFC over-reacted by calling on the English champions to change the tour dates, according to Japan's Nikkan Sports daily.

''I think breaking contracts would be more of a problem,'' Kawabuchi said, referring to United's four matches across the region from July 17 to 27.

''The AFC's stance is too unbalanced. Are Japanese clubs not allowed to play against the top clubs in the world?'' United kick off their pre-season tour against J-League champions Urawa Reds in Saitama on July 17 before travelling to South Korea to play FC Seoul on July 20.

They play China's Shenzhen FC in Macau on July 23 and were planning to finish with a match against a Malaysian select team in Kuala Lumpur on July 27.

The Asian Cup runs from July 7 to 29 and is being hosted by Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam.

United's only game in any of the host countries is the one on July 27 but the Football Association of Malaysia has pointed out that its Asian Cup responsibilities end on July 25.

Japan have won the last two Asian Cups, in Lebanon in 2000 and in China in 2004 when they defeated the hosts 3-1 in the final.

REUTERS BJR HT1545