Hong Kong are working to persuade East Timor to forfeit home advantage in their two-leg 2010 World Cup qualifier because the HKFA cannot get air tickets for the away match - even though it will not be played until October.
The SAR side are scheduled to meet the Timorese on their turf on October 8 and then play the home leg on October 28 in the first round of Asian regional qualiying. However, there are no air tickets available for that time from Hong Kong on any potential route.
'We have informed the Asian Football Confederation regarding the situation but they are now on holiday. We are awaiting their response and they should be back on duty next week,' said Lam Shing-kui, acting general secretary of the HKFA.
'All the expenses would be borne by us, including their air fares, food and accommodation if Timor agree to play both legs here,' he said. 'If they agree, we intend to stage the first match on October 7 and the second four days later. However, the Timor association also seems to be on vacation as they have not replied to our e-mails, faxes or phone calls.'
