The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Hong Kong football bosses silent over Andersen contract talks, as head coach plots World Cup qualifiers upset

Hong Kong have back-to-back World Cup qualifying meetings with Uzbekistan over the next week

Jorn Andersen’s side took one point from the opening two games, and host Uzbeks at sold-out Mong Kok Stadium on Thursday

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Jorn Andersen led Hong Kong to the AFC Asian Cup finals, but the FA have not made any moves to retain the head coach beyond his current contract. Photo: Reuters

Published: 8:00am, 19 Mar 2024Updated: 4:39pm, 19 Mar 2024

Jorn Andersen is shelving thoughts over his future until Hong Kong complete their Fifa World Cup qualifiers in June, and has not had any word from the city’s football bosses about a new deal.

The head coach, whose current contract expires in June next year, is preparing to lead an injury-hit squad in two World Cup fixtures against Uzbekistan, beginning with Thursday’s clash at a sold-out Mong Kok Stadium.

Since taking charge the Norwegian has guided Hong Kong to the Asian Cup finals in Qatar for the first time since 1968, and taken an under-23 side to the last four of the Asian Games in Hangzhou.

After the tournament in Doha, Andersen told the Post he had received offers from elsewhere, but would quit Hong Kong only for a notable step-up.

The FA have not moved to secure the 61-year-old on longer terms, despite his transformation of their representative team over a 27-month reign.

Norwegian Andersen is focusing only on his team’s two World Cup qualifiers against Uzbekistan. Photo: HKFA

Andersen said the governing body had not spoken to him about its plans and he was focusing on the two matches this month, and two more in June.