Fifa decision to allow China to play away match against Maldives in Shenyang angers Hong Kong
Fifa's decision to allow the mainland to play Maldives' away game in Shenyang 'unfair'
Group favourites China will enjoy "double" home ground advantage against Maldives in the World Cup Asian zone qualifiers.
A letter from Fifa on Wednesday confirmed the scheduled group C match between Maldives and China on September 8 had been moved to Shenyang city, Liaoning province, at the Olympic Centre Stadium with a new kick-off time at 7.35pm.
The match was originally scheduled at Maldives National Stadium in the capital Male.
China can start both matches against Maldives at home without any disadvantage of playing away. This is absolutely not fair
Reports from the mainland said the venue in Male had been switched because of the poor pitch conditions after the Maldives Independence Day celebrations in July and both nations agreed to move the match to Shenyang's 60,000-seat venue. Their home match against the Islanders, scheduled for March 24 next year at Wuhan Sports Centre, would not be affected.
Hong Kong are leading the group with six points after defeating Bhutan and Maldives in their two opening matches at home, while China and Qatar, are tied for second with one win each.
While Hong Kong Football Association chief executive Mark Sutcliffe said yesterday the venue switch was news to him and he would look into it, even though Hong Kong cried foul.
