The management chief of Hong Kong Stadium is likely to be replaced by a local person after the handover, the Urban Council revealed yesterday.
As disputes continue over concert noise and dissatisfied corporate suite holders, the chief executive officer of stadium managers Wembley International, Alan Murray, will be stepping down this year.
The chairman of the council and of the stadium's board of governors Dr Ronald Leung Ding-bong said members had discussed localising the post and would liaise with Wembley.
Senior staff of London-based Wembley will arrive in the territory in the coming weeks to find 'a suitable replacement'. The team will include Wembley chief executive Alan Coppin.
Mr Murray, who has borne the brunt of criticism from residents and suite holders, denied he was being pushed aside, saying illness of a relative was forcing him home.
'I wouldn't mind staying on; it has been tough at times but I like Hong Kong,' he said.
Dr Leung said Wembley staff would probably head-hunt the replacement, subject to final approval of the stadium board.
