Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen quits, expected to take job in China League One; FA have no succession plan in place
- Jorn Andersen led Hong Kong to first major tournament in 56 years, masterminded under-23s’ run to Asian Games semi-finals
- Norwegian had been in talks over contract extension but opts to quit post he held since December 2021
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China was plunged into further turmoil on Wednesday following the official resignation of head coach Jorn Andersen.
The Norwegian confirmed he spurned the opportunity of a new three-year deal with Hong Kong, to accept an alternative offer he “simply could not refuse”.
Andersen is set to take charge of a Chinese club, with mainland media speculating his next destination could be managerless China League One leaders Yunnan Yukan.
The 61-year-old’s exit has left the local association reeling. Charles Cheung Yim-yau, the acting CEO, told the Post his organisation was “surprised” by Andersen’s decision. Alarmingly, Cheung added that the FA had no succession plan to cater for the loss of a head coach.
“This is very sudden news to us, so we need to start the recruitment procedure,” Cheung said.
“[Jorn] decided to leave today, so we do not have any actual plan at this moment. We will start the procedure as soon as possible.”