Happy Valley and Tuen Mun's suspension was a warning to others, says Mark Sutcliffe
HKFA chief says move to suspend clubs was a clear message to 'clean up' sport
The move to suspend Happy Valley and Tuen Mun from the First Division is a strong message that the Hong Kong Football Association is serious about "cleaning up" the sport as it looks towards a new professional era, said senior official Mark Sutcliffe last night.
The clubs have been kicked out of the top flight after an HKFA investigation found that they had brought the game into disrepute and were not viable to continue playing as they fell short in terms of governance, financial status and operational abilities.
"We hope this will send a strong message that the HKFA is serious about cleaning up the sport in terms of the governance and financial stability of the clubs," said Sutcliffe, HKFA chief executive, yesterday. "This is also an indication of how keen we are to raise playing standards as we look ahead to the new Hong Kong Premier League next season."
The financial situation of Happy Valley and Tuen Mun changed dramatically mid-season, leading both clubs to inform the HKFA that they were not able to fulfil their financial obligations for the rest of the season.
Tuen Mun had deregistered 11 players and terminated an agreement with a mainland backer last month. Around the same time, things took a turn for the worse for Happy Valley when the ICAC took away a number of Happy Valley players after a match.
Investigations are still continuing on this front.
"Our investigations had nothing to do with match-fixing," stressed Sutcliffe.