HKFA 'disappointed' after 40,000-seater Hong Kong Stadium ruled out for World Cup qualifier against China
Government says pitch will not recover in time after Olympic Rugby Sevens qualifying tournament; much smaller Mong Kong Stadium chosen instead
Only 4,000 tickets will be available for the highly anticipated match between Hong Kong and China after the government finally confirmed that the preferred venue will not be available.
After months of discussion, it was revealed the 40,000-capacity Hong Kong Stadium will not be ready for the crucial World Cup qualifier slated for November 17.
"We are very disappointed that the association received notification from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department today the Hong Kong Stadium would not be available for the match," said association chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak.
The players play there week in, week out and are familiar with the environment. We are happy to hear the decision
"There is a huge demand for tickets as the fans really want to come and support the Hong Kong team for the important match. Instead the match will now be held at Mong Kok Stadium."
The decision was taken after a lengthy meeting between the two parties yesterday.
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The government department insisted the turf reconstruction works at the So Kon Po venue has only recently been completed, and according to expert advice, the pitch cannot be restored in time for the match following the rugby sevens Olympic qualification competition due to be held there on November 7-8.
The Mong Kok venue can hold a maximum 6,300 fans but after deducting tickets reserved for visiting fans from across the border and tickets sold previously, around 4,000 tickets will be available to the public.