Soccer clubs are concerned over who will get top priority at the renovated Mong Kok Stadium when the popular venue reopens in September.
After a HK$275 million upgrade, three First Division clubs - Citizen, Fourway Rangers and Sun Hei - have asked to use the stadium as their home ground. But it is believed that the owner of the facility, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, has reservations over the number of clubs using it.
Potentially adding to the congestion, Hong Kong Rugby Football Union chairman Trevor Gregory said he was exploring the possibility of using the stadium to host HSBC Asian Five Nations (A5N) home games.
Citizen boss Pui Kwan-kay, who is also the vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA), said it would be a huge blow to the sport if their request was rejected.
'The stadium has a convenient location and most important, there is a long tradition of fans watching soccer matches there,' said Pui.
'In the past, most First Division matches were held at the stadium but now only three clubs have asked to use it as their home ground. I don't believe the number is a concern.
'The government has spent a great deal of money making it a modern facility and if we are going to stage fewer matches at the stadium than before, this is ridiculous. And who will believe the government is keen to help revive the sport in Hong Kong?'