HONG Kong's South China are set to reject an Asian Football Confederation proposal to revive their Cup Winners' Championship first-round tie against Dalian. Dalian, the Chinese Cup winners, pulled out of the tournament because the two-leg tie clashes with the all-China National Games from September 3-15. The first leg in Hong Kong was scheduled for August 29 while the return match was due to be held on September 8. Most of the Dalian players are in the Liaoning provincial side taking part in the China Games. AFC secretary-general Peter Velappan, who was in Hong Kong over the weekend, said he warned Chinese football officials that Dalian face punishment if they pull out of the event. He also extended a lifeline to Dalian and suggested, at the Caroliners' discretion, that both legs be played in China on September 24 and 26. South China manager Bruce Mok, however, said the club management will probably reject the proposal. This will put Dalian in a no-win position as their players are unlikely to obtain Hong Kong visas before August 29. Mok said: ''The end of September will be very difficult for us and I think it will be impossible to spend a few days in China.'' Mok will meet club officials today, before making a final decision. Velappan, who flew to Japan on Saturday night, said the AFC are determined to ensure the success of their inter-club competitions, which also includes the Asian Champions' Cup, contested by the league champions of each country. ''The AFC set the dates for matches and clubs are obliged to follow,'' said Velappan. ''If they can't for certain reasons, then we are quite flexible. ''If South China refuse our solution then we will insist that Dalian play them on August 29. ''If Dalian cannot make it for the first leg, then they forfeit the tie and South China will progress to the next round. We want clubs to take these tournaments seriously and penalties will get heavier.'' Velappan would not say what action Dalian might face. South China were fined US$5,000 for pulling out of the Asian Champions Cup last season . Should Dalian fail to meet their obligations, South China will play Indian side East Bengal in the second round.
