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Friday March 28, 2008

Star-studded Chelsea’s date in KL is set for July 29

By AFTAR SINGH

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysian football fans will get to watch a star-studded Chelsea first team live in action in Kuala Lumpur.

Chelsea, who will be in Asia for pre-season tour, are scheduled to play against Malaysia on July 29 after a match in China on July 23.

Chelsea's Peter Kenyon (right) gives FAM deputy president Khairy Jamaluddin a team jersey after the pre-season tour announcement Thursday.
ProEvents are the promoters of the Chelsea tour and their CEO, Julian Kam, said yesterday: “I am sure that many football fans not only in Malaysia but also those from neighbouring countries such as Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and even those in Australia, will welcome this great opportunity to see The Blues in action.”

Chelsea are one the big four clubs in England who are still in the running for double honours this season – the English Premier League and Champions League titles.

“We wish Chelsea all the best in the final stages of the EPL and Champions League and hope that they will come to Asia as champions of both tournaments,'' said Julian.

The chief executive of Chelsea, Peter Kenyon, said that besides the match in Malaysia, they would also host Malaysian national coach B. Sathiananthan for about 10 days at Stamford Bridge in early August.

“I believe this will benefit both parties and may pave the way for other such programmes in future between Malaysia and Chelsea.

“This also underlines Chelsea's commitment to develop football in Asia,'' he said.

The FA of Malaysia (FAM) deputy president, Khairy Jamaluddin, said that national team will feature in the match against Chelsea.

“It will be a good experience for the national players in preparation for the Merdeka Tournament in September,'' he said.

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