https://www.scmp.com/rss/315975/feed The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) is the governing body for football in the city. Established in 1909, it is one of the game’s oldest governing bodies in Asia and organises various competitions from youth level to professional leagues. It also oversees the Hong Kong representative team. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong’s finest young player and his best friend, who acknowledges he has not capitalised on his own prodigious talent, have joined forces to unearth the city’s next generation of football stars. Shinichi Chan, who has 35 international caps, and the ex-Kitchee forward, Bosley Yu Yang, have sunk their own cash into opening La Veritas Academy, which is designed to find and develop a succession of technically gifted footballers capable of playing overseas. A fixture for Chinese Super League... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353298/hong-kong-and-shanghai-shenhua-star-shinichi-chan-mission-unearth-city-talent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353298/hong-kong-and-shanghai-shenhua-star-shinichi-chan-mission-unearth-city-talent?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 May 2026 00:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada will be in charge of two Hong Kong friendlies next month, “for sure”, but the interim head coach is in the dark over whether he will be handed the job full time. The city team have been without a boss since Ashley Westwood left last November following a failed 2027 Asian Cup qualifying campaign. Formerly manager of Hong Kong Premier League club Eastern, Losada took charge for friendly matches over the three months after Westwood’s exit, and was at the helm for the final Asian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353167/interim-hong-kong-boss-losadas-long-term-future-air-take-charge-friendlies?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353167/interim-hong-kong-boss-losadas-long-term-future-air-take-charge-friendlies?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 11 May 2026 13:00:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Manu Torres has played down the acrimonious departure of defender Dani Almazan and more imminent high-profile exits from Eastern, saying change is “pain in the process” of his quest to develop an all-conquering team. Announcing his contract was not being renewed after three years at the club, popular centre-half Almazan posted on Instagram that “some people had made it their mission to break apart … a real family in the changing room”. He also omitted head coach Torres from a list of six coaches... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353024/eastern-boss-plotting-hong-kong-domination-acrimonious-exits-pain-process-progress?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3353024/eastern-boss-plotting-hong-kong-domination-acrimonious-exits-pain-process-progress?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 May 2026 04:21:36 +0000 Ambrose Li Ambrose Li A Hong Kong court has convicted two footballers and a betting agent of bribing fellow players to rig game outcomes in the city’s largest match-fixing case in recent years. Former Hong Kong Under-23 player Brian Fok was convicted on Friday of five charges, including three counts of offering an advantage to an agent in violation of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance. The 32-year-old Nigerian-born defender, together with fellow player Luciano Silva da Silva, 38, and betting agent Waheed Mohammad,... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352949/3-convicted-hong-kongs-largest-football-match-fixing-scandal-years?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3352949/3-convicted-hong-kongs-largest-football-match-fixing-scandal-years?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 May 2026 13:48:48 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football could be in line for a windfall of nearly US$500,000 after more details emerged on Thursday about this year’s inaugural Fifa Asean Cup. As previously reported, Hong Kong is expected to stage Division 2 of the tournament, which will feature six teams. The top tier appears set to swell to eight sides after China and India, the world’s two most populous nations, were apparently invited to compete in a naked attempt to escalate interest in an otherwise parochial event. There has... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352702/hong-kong-football-poised-huge-fifa-asean-cup-windfall-china-and-india-set-compete?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352702/hong-kong-football-poised-huge-fifa-asean-cup-windfall-china-and-india-set-compete?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 07 May 2026 05:01:05 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara One of Hong Kong’s most successful and enduring footballers, Helio Goncalves, believes the city’s under-22 league is delivering “huge experiences” for emerging players, but he acknowledged “it would be great to play more on grass”. A six-times local Premier League champion during 11 years with Kitchee, Goncalves has this season combined being the cornerstone of Eastern District’s miserly defence with managing the club’s under-22 team in the league that was launched last term. On Monday, the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352570/hong-kong-football-legends-backing-u22-league-pleads-more-games-grass?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352570/hong-kong-football-legends-backing-u22-league-pleads-more-games-grass?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 06 May 2026 05:00:06 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong will have an immediate opportunity to climb into the top tier of the Fifa Asean Cup this year, according to a report from Southeast Asia. News emerged last week that Hong Kong would compete as hosts in Division 2 of the inaugural tournament, although no confirmation was forthcoming from the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), Fifa nor the Asean Football Federation. It has been said in a Vietnamese publication that the city team, currently No 155 in the Fifa global... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352503/hong-kong-set-fifa-asean-cup-cambodia-and-brunei-battles?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352503/hong-kong-set-fifa-asean-cup-cambodia-and-brunei-battles?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 May 2026 11:30:05 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong appears poised to host the second tier of a new-look Fifa Asean Cup this year following an agreement reportedly reached ahead of the global governing body’s annual congress on Thursday in Vancouver. There has been no confirmation over which sides will populate Division 1 and Division 2, but, according to rankings, the Hong Kong-hosted competition would likely feature Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, the winners of a play-off between Brunei and Timor Leste, and the invited hosts. Apparently set... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352059/hong-kong-line-host-new-fifa-regional-tournament-later-year?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3352059/hong-kong-line-host-new-fifa-regional-tournament-later-year?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 30 Apr 2026 12:30:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The searing USA summer 32 years ago contributed to Stefan Effenberg getting so hot under the collar that he was sent home from the World Cup finals. Regardless of his own mixed memories from that tournament, however, the Champions League-winning former Germany midfielder believes the US, along with Mexico and Canada, will provide a fine stage for this year’s expanded 48-team competition. Substituted as Germany toiled during a 3-2 victory over South Korea back in 1994, Effenberg responded to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351463/world-cup-usa-gets-backing-germany-legend-despite-mixed-memories-1994-finals?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3351463/world-cup-usa-gets-backing-germany-legend-despite-mixed-memories-1994-finals?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 27 Apr 2026 00:00:25 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan A senior Bayern Munich official believes their match against Aston Villa will be “the best” of the trio of games in Hong Kong this summer, and that the six-times European champions could “fill two stadiums” on a good day. The August 7 clash between Bayern, who on Sunday won their 35th Bundesliga title, and Premier League Villa will be the third high-profile fixture in seven days at the 50,000-seat Kai Tak Stadium. But Rouven Kasper, Bayern’s chief marketing officer, said he “does not worry at... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350923/bayern-munich-pledging-deliver-best-summer-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350923/bayern-munich-pledging-deliver-best-summer-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 14:02:01 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong is set to welcome two “blockbuster matches” and underline its status as “a global destination for world-class sport” when four major European football clubs play at Kai Tak Stadium in August. Organisers confirmed on Tuesday that the second Hong Kong Football Festival will feature Manchester City and fellow English club Chelsea, as well as the illustrious Italian pair of Juventus and Inter Milan. As first reported by the South China Morning Post, Premier League title challengers City... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350807/manchester-city-and-chelsea-among-clubs-confirmed-hong-kong-football-festival?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3350807/manchester-city-and-chelsea-among-clubs-confirmed-hong-kong-football-festival?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 21 Apr 2026 03:08:29 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A young Hong Kong footballer who has received personal guidance from Andres Iniesta and Ilkay Gundogan has had to pause his promising career because of the Iran war. Ryan Fok Jun-hei was in Dubai, where he plays for Gulf United, when the war began one day after he turned 19 on February 27. “It was scary for the first few days but you get used to it,” Fok said. “Alerts sound whenever there’s a potential missile threat and you stay inside. The UAE defence system is pretty good; we believed nothing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349839/middle-east-conflict-pauses-dream-hong-kong-footballer-taught-iniesta-gundogan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349839/middle-east-conflict-pauses-dream-hong-kong-footballer-taught-iniesta-gundogan?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 13 Apr 2026 04:30:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Inigo Calderon is urging Kitchee to wash away the bitter taste of cup final defeat and wrap up the Premier League on Sunday to prove they are “the best team in Hong Kong”. Victory over BC Rangers at Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground would see head coach Calderon’s side crowned champions with four games to spare. They could even have their coronation confirmed earlier in the day should Lee Man, who beat Kitchee in Tuesday’s League Cup final, lose their game at North District. “We have a great chance to... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349621/champions-elect-kitchee-out-show-they-are-best-team-hong-kong-despite-cup-final-flop?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349621/champions-elect-kitchee-out-show-they-are-best-team-hong-kong-despite-cup-final-flop?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 11 Apr 2026 04:00:08 +0000 Mike Chan Mike Chan Bayern Munich and Aston Villa will bring the curtain down on a week of football in Hong Kong this summer, which will also feature English giants Manchester City and Chelsea, and Italian pair Inter Milan and Juventus. In a statement on Friday, the Bundesliga and Premier League sides said they would clash at Kai Tak Stadium on August 7 in the Audi Football Summit. And while not officially confirmed, sources have told the South China Morning Post that as part of the second Hong Kong Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349600/joy-6-bayern-villa-clash-one-3-matches-set-hong-kong-festival-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349600/joy-6-bayern-villa-clash-one-3-matches-set-hong-kong-festival-football?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 10 Apr 2026 07:01:46 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Dostonbek Tursunov put in a colossal performance in Lee Man’s 2-1 League Cup final victory over Kitchee on Tuesday, then outlined his desire for a World Cup meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo this summer. Capped seven times by Uzbekistan, the 30-year-old centre-back is on a 35-man longlist that head coach Fabio Cannavaro, the former Italy defender, will strip back to 26 for a tournament where his team are grouped with Ronaldo’s Portugal, Colombia and DR Congo. Named man of the match, Tursunov was... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349258/lee-man-win-hong-kong-league-cup-following-victory-over-kitchee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349258/lee-man-win-hong-kong-league-cup-following-victory-over-kitchee?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 08:59:38 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Four years after he arrived in Hong Kong planning a one-season stay, Ruslan Mingazov is on the cusp of what could be one of the most memorable weeks of his decorated career. A title winner in the Czech Republic and Latvia, with Slavia Prague and Skonto Riga respectively, Kitchee forward Mingazov is anticipating a “big battle and beautiful football” when his side clash with Lee Man in the League Cup final on Tuesday. While the Mong Kok Stadium showpiece is laced with jeopardy, victory for Kitchee... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349171/kitchee-international-star-eyeing-hong-kong-league-cup-success-begin-momentous-week?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349171/kitchee-international-star-eyeing-hong-kong-league-cup-success-begin-momentous-week?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The injury misfortune that befell Yapp Hung-fai back in October ultimately presented an opportunity for Gianni Cassaro to belatedly fulfil his dream of playing football outside Spain. “At the beginning it was a bit daunting, because I didn’t know what was awaiting me here but I had nothing to lose,” said goalkeeper Cassaro, who has recorded three clean sheets from eight appearances since he joined Eastern in January. After stalwart Yapp damaged knee ligaments playing for Hong Kong neither of his... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349082/spanish-former-villarreal-goalkeeper-embracing-dream-hong-kong-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3349082/spanish-former-villarreal-goalkeeper-embracing-dream-hong-kong-opportunity?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 05 Apr 2026 12:00:09 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hong Kong’s football team ended their 2027 AFC Asian Cup qualifying campaign with a 2-1 defeat in the dead-rubber match against India in Kochi on Tuesday, finishing the group stage under interim head coach Roberto Losada. Losada, who took over after the departure of Ashley Westwood in November, is one of the more than 300 applicants in the running for the permanent head coach role. Hong Kong headed into the match knowing that they were unable to qualify for the Asian Cup next year after losing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348671/hong-kong-coach-losada-ends-asian-cup-qualifying-campaign-defeat-and-mixed-feelings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348671/hong-kong-coach-losada-ends-asian-cup-qualifying-campaign-defeat-and-mixed-feelings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:29:16 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara At first glance there is very little resting on Hong Kong’s Asian Cup qualifier in India on Tuesday, but the dead-rubber contest could potentially shape the next two years for the city team. An assured performance in steamy Kochi would strengthen interim boss Roberto Losada’s case to be chosen ahead of more than 300 rivals for the permanent head coach post. After what is expected to be the final stage of his very public audition for the role, Losada will outline a 24-month plan to his Football... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348356/asian-cup-clash-india-could-shape-hong-kong-future-roberto-losada-continues-audition?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348356/asian-cup-clash-india-could-shape-hong-kong-future-roberto-losada-continues-audition?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football chiefs will “very soon” confirm the identity of the major European clubs that will play in the city this summer, with Bayern Munich, Manchester City and Juventus among the teams lined up to visit. Eric Fok Kai-shan, the chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), said his organisation had booked Kai Tak Stadium to host matches in early August. “We are ambitious and want to carry forward the football momentum and culture we created last year,” said Fok, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348245/hong-kong-football-chiefs-set-confirm-heavyweight-european-visitors-very-soon?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348245/hong-kong-football-chiefs-set-confirm-heavyweight-european-visitors-very-soon?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 28 Mar 2026 08:21:43 +0000 Agence France-Presse Agence France-Presse India’s 2027 Asian Cup qualifier at home against Hong Kong next week will go ahead, the national football body said, after players and coach Khalid Jamil were locked out of the stadium. The hosts’ press conference on Thursday was cancelled because the Kerala Football Association had not paid a mandatory security deposit to the city authorities, who own Kochi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, according to local media. Several players and the coach were denied entry for the press event, the reports... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348109/asian-cup-game-against-hong-kong-india-says-despite-team-being-locked-out-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3348109/asian-cup-game-against-hong-kong-india-says-despite-team-being-locked-out-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 27 Mar 2026 06:52:58 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li A storm over online abuse has cast a shadow over Man Kiu Association Primary School’s breakthrough run at the All-Hong Kong Inter-Primary Schools seven-a-side football competition held before Chinese New Year. After racking up several victories over rival schools, especially after a 6-0 win that got them to the quarter-finals, the team received abusive comments and complaints about the physical size and height of their players. Several non-Chinese players, in particular, became targets of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347871/primary-school-football-players-principal-undeterred-online-abuse-during-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347871/primary-school-football-players-principal-undeterred-online-abuse-during-tournament?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:50:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Written off in some quarters following his second serious knee injury at the age of 22, and ignored by the last Hong Kong manager, Jordan Lam Lok-kan is back in the international fold and targeting his second cap in India next week. Kitchee left-back Lam, who spent time with English club Bury a decade ago, pressed his selection claims when he lashed home the penalty that sealed the city team’s Chinese New Year Cup shoot-out victory over FC Seoul last month. Having underlined his reputation as a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347721/after-injuries-and-being-ignored-kitchees-jordan-lam-make-most-his-second-chance?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:46:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The local football association is navigating the “craziest Fifa window ever” after the eleventh-hour cancellation of Hong Kong’s friendly against Nepal uprooted preparations for next week’s Asian Cup qualifier in India. Having overcome the logistical nightmare of arranging Indian visas for players, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) was given a fresh headache when its Nepalese counterparts scrapped plans for the match on Thursday because of heightening political tensions in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347574/hong-kong-football-bosses-scrambling-flights-india-after-nepal-friendly-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347574/hong-kong-football-bosses-scrambling-flights-india-after-nepal-friendly-cancelled?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A music entrepreneur and friend to multiple household names is plotting to own and play for Supreme FC in the Hong Kong Premier League next season. Jim Wong Chi-chuen scored his team’s second goal in a 3-1 win over Kwun Tong on Sunday that maintained their five-point advantage over Wofoo Social Enterprises at the First Division summit with five matches remaining. The ambitious 35-year-old has made his promotion pitch to the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), pledging to add... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:19:02 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada said managing Hong Kong would be a “life-changing job”, but played down the pressure as he prepared to audition for the role in his final two matches in interim charge. After leading the side in the Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup and Chinese New Year Cup, Losada will get his first taste of genuine international football when the city team play Nepal on March 26, then travel to India for an Asian Cup qualifier five days later. The task of assembling a competitive squad has been “very... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347204/hong-kong-coach-eyeing-life-changing-role-ahead-nepal-and-india-clashes?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Mar 2026 00:00:35 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Six years after he disappointed his mum by quitting school at 16, goalkeeper Pong Cheuk-hei is shining for record-breaking Kitchee and pressing for a senior international Hong Kong debut this month. “It was a good bet,” Pong said of his decision to abandon education after Ho Kwok-chuen, the former Hong Kong goalkeeper who was coaching at Resources Capital, asked the non-committed student: “If you’re just going to waste time in class why not come to train every day?” “I bet on myself that I could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:15:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Ricardo Rambo has urged Hong Kong to use their Asian Games platform to send a message that the city is ready for professional women’s football. Fears that revised qualification criteria would sideline the city men’s and women’s teams from this year’s Games were banished on Thursday when the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) revealed the Olympic Council of Asia had approved their participation in Japan. Head coach Rambo, whose side were recently forced to quit the four-team Pink... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346636/hong-kong-boss-hopes-playing-asian-games-helps-usher-professional-womens-game?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346636/hong-kong-boss-hopes-playing-asian-games-helps-usher-professional-womens-game?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Mar 2026 06:00:20 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Darren Read acknowledged he was “a little bit shocked” to be thrust into the breach as interim Lee Man head coach, and downplayed his prospects of landing the permanent role. Promoted from assistant following the exit of Chu Siu-kei on Sunday, Read made a dream start three days later when he oversaw a League Cup semi-final victory over Tai Po, then relayed news to his audibly thrilled players that their triumph had secured “an extra bonus from the big boss”. They will meet the winners of next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football has won its battle to compete in the Asian Games this year, allaying fears that the city teams would be condemned to the same fate as their exiled basketball counterparts. The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) has been petitioning the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) since it emerged that the 16 men’s teams that competed in this year’s AFC U-23 Asian Cup finals would occupy the Games spots, while the 12 women’s places would be filled by the countries contesting the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346380/hong-kong-footballers-given-go-ahead-asian-games-japan?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346380/hong-kong-footballers-given-go-ahead-asian-games-japan?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 11:00:27 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Man have parted company with head coach Chu Siu-kei following their shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat by BC Rangers on Sunday, with assistant Darren Read taking charge until the end of the season. Initially installed as caretaker boss following the exit of Matt Holland almost a year ago, Chu was appointed on a permanent basis at the end of last season. Lee Man are second in the league, 11 points behind runaway leaders Kitchee, having played one game fewer. Heavy favourites to beat Rangers on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:30:07 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li The Hong Kong women’s football team made it home safely on Friday night after several anxious days stranded in Dubai following the US-Israel attacks on Iran, with members expressing relief at their return but disappointment about having to withdraw from a tournament. Twenty-seven players and staff landed in Hong Kong via Bangkok, where they had transited earlier in the week. One player flew from the Thai capital to Boston in the United States, while another is scheduled to leave Dubai for... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345778/hong-kong-womens-football-team-happy-be-home-after-anxious-wait-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/society/article/3345778/hong-kong-womens-football-team-happy-be-home-after-anxious-wait-dubai?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 16:26:38 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The family who bankroll Hong Kong Premier League side Tai Po say they are fully committed to the reigning champions, but any decision over the club’s future beyond this season belongs to president Peter Lam Yick-kuen. Sources previously told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip were ending their involvement, and after being beaten by Southern last weekend, head coach Lee Chi-kin said he did not know how much cash the Yips planned to invest next season. But Francis Yip, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Stephy Zhang Stephy Zhang Hong Kong’s women have withdrawn from the football Pink Ladies Cup in Dubai and will return home as soon as possible, as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate. The team, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates last week and lost 4-0 to Ghana on Saturday, had been expected to play Tanzania on Wednesday before wrapping up the four-team tournament against Russia two days later. On Tuesday, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) said it had formally notified tournament... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345239/hong-kongs-women-withdraw-dubai-football-event-will-head-home-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345239/hong-kongs-women-withdraw-dubai-football-event-will-head-home-soon-possible?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:24:45 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Talented young Tai Po forward Lee Lok-him is juggling his football career with working on a geriatric hospital ward as part of the nursing degree he is taking to safeguard his future. Identified as a serious Hong Kong prospect by interim head coach Roberto Losada, the 21-year-old Lee started and finished Tai Po’s weekend defeat by Southern, after a decisive cameo off the bench in the recent Senior Shield final victory over BC Rangers. He said he was “a bit shocked but also excited” to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:30:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The future of reigning Hong Kong Premier League champions Tai Po has been left shrouded in uncertainty, with the club’s owners reportedly considering pulling out at the end of the season. Sources have told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip, the husband-and-wife pair, are considering cutting their ties after four years of bankrolling the district club. The SCMP has also been told that none of the large number of players whose contracts expire this summer have been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:17 +0000 Ada Li Ada Li Hong Kong lawmaker Kenneth Fok Kai‑kong welcomed the government’s HK$1.2 billion investment in sports development as “a timely boost that will inject fresh momentum”, while also urging a more strategic approach to building a sustainable sports industry. Fok, who is also vice-president of the city’s Sports Federation and Olympic Committee (SF&OC), said details on how the money could be spent would be decided following “a comprehensive review of athlete support planned after the Asian... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344744/fok-welcomes-inspiring-budget-says-asian-games-will-be-part-hk12bn-funding-review?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3344744/fok-welcomes-inspiring-budget-says-asian-games-will-be-part-hk12bn-funding-review?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 26 Feb 2026 11:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A condemned stadium in Nepal and an unloved Indian arena have been lined up to stage the next phase of Roberto Losada’s interim reign as Hong Kong head coach. A post on the All Nepal Football Association’s (ANFA) Facebook page on Wednesday said they would welcome Hong Kong for a friendly on March 26 at Dasharath Stadium, the Kathmandu venue the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has deemed unfit to host 2027 Asian Cup qualifiers. Five days after the proposed match in the Nepalese capital,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344577/hong-kong-footballers-play-condemned-nepal-venue-controversial-india-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344577/hong-kong-footballers-play-condemned-nepal-venue-controversial-india-stadium?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 25 Feb 2026 10:00:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jay Haddow said that reflecting on his decision to surrender Japanese citizenship “was always tough”, but the talented defender is convinced that obtaining a Hong Kong passport was the right call. Naturalised after a prolonged process last July, Haddow supplied the cross for fellow Kitchee player Juninho to open the scoring against FC Seoul on Saturday, as Hong Kong won the Chinese New Year Cup on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation time. Born in Hong Kong to a Japanese mother and British... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344254/hong-kong-footballer-jay-haddow-making-peace-sacrificing-japanese-passport?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344254/hong-kong-footballer-jay-haddow-making-peace-sacrificing-japanese-passport?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 23 Feb 2026 00:00:27 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After the sacking of Henrik Rydstrom from Malmo left Matthew Mak Pak-hei “feeling guilty but needing to step up and grow as a person”, the pioneering Hongkonger is reunited with the Swedish head coach and plotting to return Columbus Crew to the summit of Major League Soccer. Rydstrom was appointed as successor to Wilfried Nancy, who left American club Columbus for an ill-starred spell as Celtic manager, on New Year’s Eve, three months after losing his job with Malmo. After his boss’ exit,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344196/hongkonger-set-first-taste-major-league-soccer-after-swapping-europe-us?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344196/hongkonger-set-first-taste-major-league-soccer-after-swapping-europe-us?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Feb 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada was keeping his feet on the floor after Hong Kong beat FC Seoul 5-4 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in regulation time on Saturday, although the interim head coach acknowledged that winning the FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup was “a beautiful thing”. Hong Kong led through Juninho’s first-half goal, but Patryk Klimala’s skilful 57th-minute leveller sent the game to a shoot-out. In front of a Hong Kong Stadium crowd of 14,089, roughly 6,000 down on attendances for the previous... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344211/hong-kong-win-lunar-new-year-cup-after-dramatic-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344211/hong-kong-win-lunar-new-year-cup-after-dramatic-penalty-shoot-out?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 09:35:29 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Jacky Leung Nok-hang said he held no grudge against previous Hong Kong bosses, but acknowledged his tally of 14 international caps was “one of the biggest disappointments of my career”. The defender, who recently left Zhejiang FC for Shenzhen Juniors to be closer to his ill father, last appeared for Hong Kong in November 2023. Leung was unable to answer a late call for former head coach Ashley Westwood’s first match in Liechtenstein in October 2024, because he was in Hong Kong visiting family... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344154/hong-kong-defender-leung-reveals-biggest-disappointment-shares-lunar-new-year-cup-joy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344154/hong-kong-defender-leung-reveals-biggest-disappointment-shares-lunar-new-year-cup-joy?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 21 Feb 2026 00:00:15 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada confirmed he had submitted his application for the permanent Hong Kong head coach post before the deadline on Thursday, and said he should not be judged on the outcome of this weekend’s Chinese New Year Cup clash with FC Seoul. Currently the interim boss, Losada is without most of his mainland-based players for Saturday’s Hong Kong Stadium match. He had a similarly understrength squad for the two-leg Guangdong-Hong Kong Cup, which the city team lost on penalties, around the turn... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344028/losada-submits-hong-kong-application-asks-not-be-judged-fc-seoul-outcome?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3344028/losada-submits-hong-kong-application-asks-not-be-judged-fc-seoul-outcome?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 20 Feb 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Rarely can a momentous decision have paid off so handsomely as the one Daniel Bennie’s parents made to turn their lives upside down for their eldest son’s football dream. Currently enjoying a breakthrough period with Queens Park Rangers and targeting the English Premier League, Bennie, who was born in the city, was 12 when his mum and dad relocated the family from Hong Kong to Australia “to give me the best chance possible”. “Football in Hong Kong is unbelievable, but we wanted to see what could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343988/hong-kong-born-daniel-bennie-chasing-premier-league-dream-championship-club-qpr?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343988/hong-kong-born-daniel-bennie-chasing-premier-league-dream-championship-club-qpr?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 13:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Asier Illarramendi has delivered a Lunar New Year boost to Kitchee, the former Real Madrid midfielder revealing he is revelling in his instrumental role with the Hong Kong Premier League champions-elect, and happy to be living among “lovely people” in Kai Tak. Since his debut last November, the Spaniard has helped inspire Kitchee to nine straight victories, the latest of which was a 1-0 win over second-placed Lee Man on Sunday that opened a mammoth 12-point gap at the league summit. And the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343885/ex-real-madrid-player-asier-illarramendi-loving-kitchee-winning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343885/ex-real-madrid-player-asier-illarramendi-loving-kitchee-winning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Leopold Chen Leopold Chen Hong Kong’s sports minister has expressed regret over her social media post about the former coach of the men’s football team made after their stinging loss to Singapore in an Asian Cup qualifying match last year, vowing to be “more careful” with her comments. Speaking on a radio show on Tuesday evening, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui said her comments about Ashley Westwood were made from the standpoint of a fan rather than a government official. At the time, some... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343926/hong-kongs-sports-minister-regrets-comments-about-coach-local-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/politics/article/3343926/hong-kongs-sports-minister-regrets-comments-about-coach-local-football-team?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 11:15:46 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Paulinho Simionato said he was thrilled to repay the club that “opened the door for me in Hong Kong”, following his pivotal role in Tai Po’s 4-1 Senior Shield final victory over 10-man BC Rangers on Wednesday. An early substitute for fellow Brazilian Igor Sartori, centre-forward Simionato scored Tai Po’s second goal and set up their third for Michel Renner, after Rangers’ Japanese defender Ryota Hayashi was sent off for a professional foul early in extra time. In front of a bumper 4,738 Mong Kok... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343915/senior-shield-final-tai-po-survive-scare-break-10-man-rangers-hearts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343915/senior-shield-final-tai-po-survive-scare-break-10-man-rangers-hearts?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 18 Feb 2026 09:57:41 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Philip Chan Siu-kwan believes Tai Po desperately need to win the Senior Shield on Wednesday to “turn down the negative noises” that have gathered around the reigning league champions. Poised to battle BC Rangers for the first trophy of the campaign, Tai Po have waved the white flag on their Hong Kong Premier League title defence following a season marred by injuries and uncharacteristic fallibility at the back. They conceded 13 goals during a recent run of three defeats in four matches that left... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343752/hong-kong-midfielder-philip-chan-out-silence-tai-po-doubters-senior-shield-win?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343752/hong-kong-midfielder-philip-chan-out-silence-tai-po-doubters-senior-shield-win?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 17 Feb 2026 02:00:40 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Having benefited from the “football and life lessons” delivered over one year in China League One, Jesse Yu Joy-yin has three major goals before he thinks about another cross-border move. Yu rejoined Hong Kong Premier League side Eastern last month after making 17 appearances in his season with Shijiazhuang Gongfu, and the midfielder has made a positive start towards his first target of “helping the club as much as I can”, playing an influential part in a 3-0 win over North District on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343689/hong-kongs-jesse-yu-wants-second-shot-chinese-football-eyes-other-goals-first?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343689/hong-kongs-jesse-yu-wants-second-shot-chinese-football-eyes-other-goals-first?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Feb 2026 04:19:03 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Yakubu Nassam Ibrahim’s only birthday wish is that he evens his cup final ledger when BC Rangers meet Tai Po in the Senior Shield on Wednesday. The 2024 Sapling Cup final gave Ibrahim “the best moment of my career”, scoring the only goal against Kitchee to avenge the previous year’s FA Cup final thumping by the same opponents. Ibrahim, who will turn 29 on the day of his latest final, said last season’s FA Cup final loss to Eastern had “really hurt”, especially as it cost the club a spot in the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343611/birthday-boy-ibrahim-wants-have-his-hong-kong-senior-shield-cake-and-eat-it-too?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343611/birthday-boy-ibrahim-wants-have-his-hong-kong-senior-shield-cake-and-eat-it-too?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 15 Feb 2026 06:00:14 +0000