Footballer turns to Israeli lawyer for Hong Kong passport but won’t face Manchester United
Barak Braunshtain hopes to become eligible to play for the city in time for the Asian Cup clash with India
Barak Braunshtain has engaged lawyers in Israel to speed up his Hong Kong passport application in the hope of featuring for the city in next month’s Asian Cup qualifier against India.
The BC Rangers midfielder was born and raised in Hong Kong, but has Israeli citizenship through his parents, who moved to the city from their homeland in 1998.
A key performer for the surprise FA Cup finalists this season, Braunshtain said it was a difficult decision to relinquish Israeli citizenship, after being reluctant to in the past.
“I wish I didn’t have to give it up, but … this is what I’ve chosen to do in my life,” Braunshtain added. “It’s a dream of mine to represent Hong Kong and I want to boost my career.”
The local football association has provided Braunshtain with documents to support his application, while he spoke to a lawyer in Israel last week to accelerate the process and communicate directly with government bodies.
“When I have the letter from Israel to say I’ve resigned my citizenship, I can get the Hong Kong passport,” he said. “For sure, I will have it by August, but I’m trying to get it this month”.