Hong Kong take on North Korea in Pyongyang on Tuesday March 27 with a chance to “secure their place in history” in the words of caretaker boss Liu Chun-fai, the goalkeeper during the Hong Kong team’s landmark win against China in Beijing.
The brief for Tuesday is simple: beat the North Koreans in their capital and they qualify for the AFC Asian Cup in United Arab Emirates next year. Anything less than victory for Hong Kong and it will be the hosts that join the Lebanon side in making their way the to the UAE next January.
Hong Kong’s Lee Chi-ho (front) is challenged by Pak Kwang-ryong in the reversal at Hong Kong Stadium in June. Photo: Felix Wong
Is it on TV?
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The match will not be shown on television after Now TV decided against pursuing the broadcast rights from the North Korean Football Association. A spokesperson told the Post: “Now TV has considered live broadcast the forthcoming North Korea vs Hong Kong match, but will not cover it now due to area restriction and technical difficulty.”
An insider revealed that the cost was felt too high at over HK$1 million for the game, a figure which surprised them. There were also concerns over the reliability of the feed from North Korea.
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How has this situation come about?
“The rights for AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers Final round belong to the relevant Member Associations - including the broadcast rights,” explains Colin Gibson, director of communications at the AFC. If a Hong Kong broadcaster wishes to show the DPR Korea v Hong Kong match in the territory then they are free to approach the DPR Korea FA for the rights.”
Hong Kong caretaker manager Liu Chun-fai has urged his players to claim their place in history. Photo: Chan Kin-wa
