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SCMP Reporter

Updated at 6.50pm:
English Premier League giant Liverpool will play against the Hong Kong team at the Hong Kong Stadium on July 27 as part of the territory's re-launch activities to boost its image after the Sars outbreak, InvestHK director Mike Rowse announced on Friday.

The much-anticipated friendly match, Invest Hong Kong Football Challenge 2003, will feature England World Cup stars Michael Owen, Emile Heskey, Steven Gerrard as well as club captain Sami Hyypia - who are using the game as a build-up to their 2003-2004 Premiership League season.

The match is organised by sports marketing firm IMG and hosted by the Hong Kong Football Association. 

'Liverpool is one of the top and most popular football clubs both in this region and globally,' Mr Rowse said. 'Its participation in this match helps demonstrate to the rest of the world that Hong Kong is a safe city and open for business, tourism, sports and many other activities,' Mr Rowse said.

The match was also welcomed by Timothy Fok Tsun-tin, president of the Hong Kong Football Association, as a massive boost to Hong Kong's efforts to re-launch itself following four months of international isolation since the Sars outbreak.

Mr Fok said football matches of this calibre would put Hong Kong back on the 'an international map' and a step closer to becoming 'a centre for international sporting events' as the territory emerged from a difficult time in its history.

'The fact that an English Premier League Team such as Liverpool regards Hong Kong as an important venue for a crucial pre-season match speaks volumes,' Mr Fok said.

Breck McCormack, IMG's president for Asia & Pacific, said his firm had assurances from the Liverpool that they really wanted to build up the fan base here and to thank the fans for their support.

'I would like to mention that from the moment the issue [of Sars] arose, the club made it clear that their trip to Hong Kong to repay all their loyal fans was a top priority,' Mr McCormack said.

Some 10,000 tickets will go on sale to the public at the Hong Kong Stadium from 9am on Saturday, July 5. Prices are $580, $450, $350, $280, with a $120 ticket for senior citizens and students.

Ticket sales will be limited to four per person.



Liverpool confirm July 27 date in HK