Malaysia may relax their ban on Israeli citizens to allow Chelsea's pre-season tour to go ahead, according to the country's deputy prime minister.

Chelsea have pencilled in a match against the Malaysian national team as part of a mini Asian tour in July but have said Avram Grant, their Israeli coach and midfielder Tal Ben Haim would have to be allowed into the country.

Now Najib Tun Razak, the deputy prime minister has said the ban may be lifted for the Chelsea pair.

"Chelsea are not my team but it's definitely good for local football," Najib, a Manchester United supporter, said. "I'm not sure what the decision should be yet but it would be a pity if politics got in the way of sports.

"There is a travel ban. We'll have to study the situation first, but I would like to see Chelsea playing here."

Malaysia does not have diplomatic ties with Israel and citizens must get special permission to visit the country. In 1997, the government allowed Israel to compete in a 22-nation cricket tournament though the decision led to a series of demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur.

Peter Kenyon, Chelsea's chief executive, said last week they would not tour without Grant.

He said: "We clearly could not travel without our top coach. It will make no sense to travel without a key member of the coaching staff."