BC Rangers secure AFC Champions League licence, as Yumemi Kanda agrees new deal
- Hong Kong Premier League side’s application for AFC Club Licence to play in regional top-tier competition granted on Monday
- Japanese star Kanda confirms he will stay at the club for another season as he turns down offer from Indonesia
BC Rangers will be making their debut in the AFC Champions League after obtaining the required club licence on Monday – and Japanese star Yumemi Kanda is set to line up on the pitch for the historic moment after agreeing to stay for another season.
The Hong Kong Premier League side only confirmed their spot in the regional top-tier club competition two weeks ago after beating Wofoo Tai Po 5-1 in the last round of the domestic season, with Kwoon Chung Southern surprisingly losing 2-1 to Football Club.
Since then, Rangers – who finished in an unexpected third place in the table, have been racing against time to finalise the correct papers.
They were given a deadline last Wednesday for their application, but were told to provide additional information until they met the requirements.
“We are so happy to complete the process in such a short period of time and would like to thank those parties who have been helping us during the process,” club executive director Philip Lee Fai-lap said.
“With the licence confirmed, we can plan our preparations for the Champions League and also the new season.”