Hong Kong Football Association chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak has warned that the hardest part - raising the game's standards - is yet to come, despite the raft of constitutional changes that were approved this month.
The HKFA unanimously adopted changes two weeks ago to improve the organisation's governance and structure.
But Leung said: 'That was just the beginning. The changes will certainly lead to a better organisation and administration at the HKFA and are a prerequisite to receive millions in government funding, but it can be done only if our members all share the same goal.
'Getting the constitution changed does not mean the fans will come back overnight and our soccer standard will be lifted to the highest levels automatically.
'We are happy all our members are gearing towards the same direction after month-long lobbying by the board. A lot of people had doubts on whether we would be able to get the required 75 per cent ballot in order to get the changes passed, but in the end we made it in the most convincing way,' Leung said. All 84 representatives from 45 clubs voted yes.
In a document titled 'Develop - Deliver' prepared by change agent Scott Wilson, there are over 30 recommendations. The most important relate to raising the standards of the game, Leung said.
'This is the core of the entire 'Project Phoenix' as our ultimate goal is to raise soccer standards so our young players with talent can fulfil their dreams in the sport, representing Hong Kong and competing against the world's best at the highest level,' he said.
