MANCHESTER UNITED AND THE FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION CHALLENGE CUP (No. 2)

Early day motion 770, tabled 29 June 1999 by Terry Lewis (Labour). Signed by 21 members.

That this House regrets the decision of the Football Association to encourage the withdrawal of Manchester United from the 1999-2000 FA challenge cup competition to facilitate participation in a meaningless tournament in South America; believes that the absence of the holders will damage the integrity of the world's foremost football cup competition; doubts, in any case, the efficacy of the club undertaking an arduous overseas campaign at a critical stage of the domestic season; believes that to do so will not be in the best interests of Manchester United and its supporters; and therefore urges the directors of the club to concentrate upon the defence of The Treble to the exclusion of all else in 1999-2000.

Signatures by party: Labour 18, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour/Co-operative 1.