Caroliners part ways with star striker Chan Siu-ki
South China have terminated Chan Siu-ki's contract prematurely after the striker's private life hit the headlines in a newspaper.
The Hong Kong international was due to join the national team training in Kowloon Tsai Park yesterday in preparation for the friendly match against Singapore on June 1, but did not attend.
A member of the HK coaching staff said Chan had taken leave to 'sort out some contract matters with the club'.
South China convenor Steven Lo Kit-sing revealed in his blog yesterday that the club had had released the player and would settle his contract as soon as possible. It is believed Chan's deal had another season to run.
Lo had indicated after the Caroliners' last match of the season on Saturday that Chan, 26, would not be part of his plans next season.
District team Tuen Mun are keen to sign the striker, who has scored 32 goals for Hong Kong in 40 games.
Chan joined South China from Kitchee in 2008 for a reported fee of HK$800,000, a record for a local player. He has scored 43 goals in 77 club appearances but his private life has repeatedly embarrassed Lo. Last week he was pictured with a model smoking on the street, the last straw for Lo who had warned Chan for similar behaviour in February.
