The Hong Kong League XI have been given an enticing incentive to win the Carlsberg Cup Lunar New Year tournament - $40,000 a player, writes Unus Alladin.
Hong Kong Football Association general-secretary Vincent Yuen said local players could look forward to an $11,000 payday by just showing up.
'With the sponsors' prize money and all the incentives given by the team managers and by the Hong Kong Football Association, the Hong Kong League XI can look forward to a big payday, especially if they win,' he said.
He said Hong Kong players could receive $25,000 each if they reach the final, while a third-place finish would be worth $16,000 for each player. Sponsor Carlsberg has increased prize money for the tournament by 50 per cent.
This year, teams will be fighting for total prize money of US$75,000 - US$25,000 more than last year.
The winners will receive US$40,000 with the runners-up earning US$20,000.