Leeds’ planned trip to Myanmar highlights the malarial atmosphere of the modern game, yet Dallas Tornado’s 1967 world tour may remain football’s most unfathomable odyssey
By the time you read this column, ideally, it will have been overtaken by fast-moving events involving Leeds United and the Myanmar regime accused of ethnic cleansing and multiple human rights abuses. However, at the time of going to so-called press, Leeds had delightedly announced they had booked a two-match tour of Myanmar, with planned friendlies in Yangon and Mandalay. The games were due to take place shortly after the domestic campaign ends, with the players apparently “very excited for the chance”. As rewards for a season go it tends toward the idiosyncratic, though some Leeds fans may have judged it much deserved.
As the club’s managing director, Angus Kinnear, put it: “Myanmar is one of the fastest-growing nations in south-east Asia and is passionate about English football.” Yes. It’s not everyone’s top line about Myanmar these days – but I guess Angus isn’t playing Family Fortunes. Instead his survey said: “They have ambitious goals for grassroots and elite football development that we are delighted to be able to support. This tour gives us an opportunity to meet new fans of football who will hopefully support our journey back to the Premier League in the coming years.”
Related: Leeds owner defends Myanmar tour: 'This is about people not governments'
Related: Leeds United branded 'disgraceful' after announcing Myanmar tour
Related: The forgotten story of … Dallas Tornado's 1967-68 world tour | Neil Jones
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