Champions Youth Cup called off

The decision has been a while coming but it seems that the 2008 Champions Youth Cup is officially cancelled. We reported last week that the tournament was under threat after a dispute between the Malaysian FA (FAM) and the organisers/promoters Gifted Group, who were backed up by the Malaysian Sports Ministry. The FAM wanted to back out of hosting the CYC for financial and political reasons, but Gifted claimed the FAM had sanctioned the tournament for a period of three years. A subsequent FIFA investigation has decreed that Gifted’s claim is false and that the tournament was never sanctioned. In addition, the game’s governing body has reminded all concerned that a competition like the CYC can’t be held without the authorisation of the relevant national football association, and with that not acquired or forthcoming, the tournament – as things stand – will not go ahead.

That may change, but it seems unlikely. The FAM are steadfast in their refusal to sanction the tournament, and the Sports Ministry have already started looking into recovering moneys paid to Gifted Group. The apparent demise of the CYC is a great shame for youth football in general and it’s to be hoped it can return in some form in the future. As far as 2008 is concerned, there is now a big CYC-shaped hole in the pre-season schedule for the United reserve and academy squads and it remains to be seen how (or if) that is filled.