All change on and off the pitch for HK game

Acting AFC boss Zhang Jilong this week called for massive reform of the game in Asia as the Fifa pyramid was shaken to its foundation, but that revolution is already happening in Hong Kong

A raft of constitutional changes will transform the corridors of power in the most important period in the 97-year history of the Hong Kong Football Association.

At an extraordinary general meeting in April, all 84 representatives from 45 clubs voted yes to a string of constitutional changes proposed by a 'change agent', commissioned by the government to revitalise the game. The sweeping changes include the appointment of independent directors, a broader membership and a set of clear and transparent election codes.

The HKFA had long been accused of making policies behind closed doors, with many of its office bearers having vested interests due to their club backgrounds and own agendas. The standard of the Hong Kong league and the national team's performance had also been under fire from within the soccer fraternity and the community.

The government made a bold decision last year to initiate the 'Phoenix Project' but on the condition the football association must first improve its governance, including structure and administration, before it would inject millions into the sport.

With the project's first step having been completed smoothly, the government will now provide financial resources to help the association recruit a senior management team - a chief executive officer and a new Hong Kong team manager to oversee the training and competitions of the national teams. Both positions are expected to be filled in September now a head-hunting company has been appointed.