Hong Kong football is in crisis and a new direction is needed
- The local game’s reputation has been severely damaged by a new match-fixing scandal. And the resignation of men’s team head coach Jorn Andersen is another blow. The drive to reboot Hong Kong football must start now. Fans deserve better
Hong Kong football is facing a crisis as the season ends. The local game must contemplate its future and a new direction is needed.
The Independent Commission Against Corruption has revealed a shocking new match-fixing scandal related to illegal betting, arresting 12 players and coaches from three teams, including one club in the elite premier league. This follows similar arrests last year.
Corruption is a serious and long-standing problem, severely damaging the local game’s reputation. The anti-graft agency is right to describe it as a “virus” that could infect the league. It must be stamped out.
But that is not the only bad news. The resignation of highly rated men’s team head coach Jorn Andersen, confirmed on Wednesday, is another blow to the sport. He will be greatly missed.
This follows the departure of the Hong Kong Football Association’s chief executive Joaquin Tam Chau-long after controversies and differences with the board.
These developments come amid much soul-searching over the way forward for Hong Kong football. The premier league needs to raise its standards, but suffers a dire lack of fans and sponsors.
