HK$100 million for new pitch at Hong Kong Stadium - but government says 'highly unlikely' it can host crunch World Cup qualifier v China
Rugby tournament takes place on new surface a week before qualifier, but insiders believe security fears are real reason
The highly anticipated World Cup soccer qualifier between Hong Kong and China is unlikely to be staged at Hong Kong Stadium, despite government officials hailing the HK$100 million renovation of the troubled pitch.
Government officials called the pitch "top-class" yesterday, but warned it would not be able to withstand the two-day rugby sevens Olympic Asian zone qualifying tournament on November 7-8 followed by the World Cup qualifier a week later.
Government officials strongly hinted the World Cup match would need to move to a smaller venue - likely to be the 12,000-seat Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground.
"If you are asking me today - which is eight or nine weeks out - I would say it would be unlikely we would be able to provide a suitable surface," said Cameron Hodgkins, head of sports turf management at the Leisure and Cultural Services Department.
"A world-class surface would be highly unlikely following such an intensive rugby tournament."
A world-class surface would be highly unlikely following such an intensive rugby tournament
That would be a big blow to soccer fans as the 40,000-seat Hong Kong Stadium is the ideal venue for the showdown against China on November 17. The away game in Shenzhen ended in a 1-1 draw.
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Hong Kong played their first three home matches at the 6,600-capacity Mong Kok Stadium.
"We are still waiting for the government to inform us which stadium will be used, but hopefully it will be Hong Kong Stadium ... I don't think it's about the pitch," the source said.
"This is obviously a sensitive issue and it is probably more to do with security. There are high-level discussions taking place.
"We have asked for them to let us know as soon as possible as we have to sort out ticketing and other arrangements."
HKFA chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak said it would be "very disappointing" if the match was not staged at Hong Kong Stadium as they faced a big loss in fan support and an estimated HK$3 million in gate receipts.
