Hong Kong soccer officials keen for World Cup qualifier clash against China at Hong Kong Stadium
HKFA chiefs say the interests of the team and fans should come first with plenty of demand expected for the return match against China in November
Soccer chiefs are pushing the government to stage the highly anticipated World Cup qualifier against China at Hong Kong Stadium, saying the interests of the team and fans should come first.
The venue for the crucial clash on November 17 has yet to be announced as high-level discussions take place within the government because of security concerns.
The HKFA is also waiting on a Fifa investigation into another case of disrespecting the national anthem at Tuesday's game against Qatar, but is hopeful only minor disciplinary action, if any, will be meted out, rather than a draconian punishment where Hong Kong home games may be played behind closed doors.
No one will doubt there is huge support for the Hong Kong team ... if we can't take the opportunity, it will be a big waste
The 40,000-seat venue in So Kon Po, which has acted as the national stadium for Hong Kong, is the ideal location and the HKFA has made a submission to Fifa.
"No one will doubt there is huge support for the Hong Kong team at the moment and if we can't take the opportunity, it will be a big waste," said HKFA vice-chairman Pui Kwan-kay.
