The Hong Kong Football Association admitted 'a lot of obstacles' stand in their way before they can get involved on the mainland.
The HKFA want to have a local side play in China or get local players play there, but football chief Martin Hong Po-kui, speaking at last night's board of directors' meeting, said they must overcome many difficulties before realising their dream.
In addition, Chinese Division B sides Dalian and Qingdao have also expressed an interest in hosting their 'home' games in Hong Kong in a move that could help boost local crowd attendances which have been on the wane for years.
'We need approval from the CFA (Chinese Football Association) as well from FIFA and the (AFC) Asian Football Confederation,' said HKFA chairman Hong. 'Also visa applications would have to be approved and this could be a big stumbling block because it took four months for Xiangxue Pharmaceutical [mainland local First Division] to have their visas approved before they could play in Hong Kong,' said Hong.
'The other problem is the status of the players. Will these local players who go to play in the Chinese league be regarded as local players or Chinese mainland players? Having a Hong Kong team join the Chinese Division B league would be ideal. This is our ultimate aim.'
The HKFA discussed the moves and decided it was in Hong Kong's best interest to get involved on the mainland.
The association admitted it was a 'big move' that needed time and a 'great amount of work'.
