Why is new HK Stadium pitch okay for rugby but not World Cup qualifier v China 9 days later? HKFA demands answer
HKFA board decides to give government one week to determine whether they can use So Kon Po venue or not for World Cup showdown with China
The Hong Kong Football Association has given the government a week to decide whether or not the Hong Kong Stadium can be used for the highly-anticipated World Cup qualifying match against China in November.
The HKFA issued the ultimatum at last night's board meeting, saying it was unanimously decided that they need to know where the clash will take place well in advance.
At the Hong Kong Football Association's board meeting yesterday, it was unanimously decided: "We want to play the match at Hong Kong Stadium and are going to convey that message to the government, asking them to tell us where the match will take place within one week from now. We want more people to come to watch and support the Hong Kong team."
We need to make ticket arrangements and deal with all the logistics. It is therefore fair that we find out a week from now whether we can use the venue or not
Association chief executive Mark Sutcliffe said the request was reasonable given the time needed to prepare for the match.
"We need to make ticket arrangements and deal with all the logistics. It is therefore fair that we find out a week from now whether we can use the venue or not," said Sutcliffe.
The association has been planning the blockbuster match, slated for November 17, at the 40,000-seat So Kon Po venue, but the government's Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), which owns the venue, has been dragging its feet.
The choice of venue has become a sensitive issue after home fans booed and jeered the China national anthem during Hong Kong's first three home matches.