SEOUL — The practice of famous European soccer clubs playing summer exhibition matches in Asia is showing no signs of slowing as the promise of new revenue streams, new fans and sponsors outstrip the potential pitfalls that exist in changing markets.
Less than 72 hours after finishing the English Premier League season on May 25, Manchester United, 20-time national champion, was in Kuala Lumpur, losing 1-0 to an ASEAN All-Stars team in front of 72,550 fans. A tired United was reportedly paid an appearance fee of around $13 million for two games, the first in Malaysia and then Hong Kong two days later.
