The Hong Kong Football Association is calling for an independent investigation into match-fixing allegations in a First Division soccer team after a player accused his mainland teammates of deliberately throwing a game.
Tuen Mun Progoal were leading 1-0 at half-time, but conceded five goals in the second period - four in the last seven minutes - as Valley went on to win Tuesday's league match 5-1.
The semi-professional player, midfielder Cheung Tin-tak, dropped the bombshell on his blog on Wednesday, writing: 'I have had enough and will not play for Tuen Mun any more. Conceding four goals in seven minutes was not because Valley were a strong team, but because our four mainland players did not try their best ... it was not the first time that we looked like a different team in the second half after having played well in the first period ... I think we all know it is because of $$$$$$$$$$$.'
The 29-year-old midfielder, a secondary school teacher by day, has played 16 matches this season and scored three goals. 'I will leave it to the club's decision on whether I leave or stay on the team,' Cheung said yesterday.
Betting on Hong Kong soccer is available on some mainland websites. For the game between these two teams, the odds were for Valley to win by more than three goals.
ICAC commissioner Timothy Tong Hin-ming said yesterday the anti-graft agency did not comment on individual cases, but it was responsible for investigating any alleged corruption.
Ken Ng Kin, director of the Hong Kong Football Association, proposed an independent investigation conducted by a credible panel including professionals outside the sport.
