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

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.