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By Martin Petty
BANGKOK, Oct 21 (Reuters) - Malaysia, home to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for more than 40 years, will not submit a bid to remain host of the region's soccer body because of its "excessive" demands.
Azzuddin Ahmad, secretary-general of the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM), said Kuala Lumpur would rather risk losing the AFC than agree to its unrealistic requirements. "We won't bid for it, why should we?" Azzuddin told Reuters by telephone on Tuesday.
"Their demands are too excessive -- diplomatic status, loans and more. They must understand they are not the United Nations."
Malaysia and the AFC have been at loggerheads several times of late, over issues such as land ownership and the FAM's reluctance to postpone a visit by Manchester United.
The English Premier League side had been scheduled to visit Malaysia at the same time as the Asian Cup, the region's biggest soccer tournament.
AFC President Mohamed Bin Hammam of Qatar has opened up bidding to the 46 member countries and there is speculation he is keen on a move to an oil-rich Gulf state.
Bidding cities are expected to provide interest-free loans, free use of all sports stadiums and venues, tax exemption and diplomatic status for senior officials.
Any shift of headquarters, however, requires the approval of 70 percent of members.
"We have a sentimental attachment to the AFC, this is its home," Azzuddin added. "But if they want to move, we will not stop them."
