Coronavirus outbreak: Iraq request to play World Cup match against Hong Kong on neutral ground
- Hong Kong scheduled to take on Middle East nation in 2022 World Cup qualifiers at Mong Kok Stadium in March
- Virus outbreak also disrupts domestic fixtures, with Sunday’s Senior Shield final moved to May and Sapling Cup to be played behind closed doors
Iraq has requested its 2022 World Cup Asian zone qualifying match in Hong Kong be moved to a neutral ground as the coronavirus threat continues to hit the city’s sports agenda.
The Middle East nation are scheduled to play the group C match against Hong Kong at Mong Kok Stadium on March 31 after winning the home game 2-0 in October.
“We understand their request as Hong Kong is under the threat of the new virus,” said Football Association chairman Pui Kwan-kay. “But it’s up to the regional body to make a decision if there is any change. We also face a lot of problems in our domestic fixtures because of the virus which may extend the season beyond May.”
The Asian Football Confederation will meet on Tuesday to discuss a number of international fixtures, which also include Hong Kong’s away group match against Iran, scheduled take place five days before the Iraq game. This match may also face disruption because of Iran’s domestic political problems.
In the AFC Cup preliminary round, Ulan Bator in Mongolia turned down the visit of TaiPower of Taiwan because of the virus. The winners are to meet Kitchee of Hong Kong in the play-off to enter the main round.
Hong Kong’s World Cup qualifier to go ahead: HKFA chief
At a Premier League Club meeting on Monday, it was decided the Senior Shield final between Lee Man and Eastern Long Lions scheduled for Sunday (February 9) will be postponed, while Sapling Cup group matches will be held behind closed doors.
Last week, the government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department decided to close all football venues because of the outbreak of the virus. The domestic fixtures have already been hit by the social unrest over the last couple of months.
Hong Kong FA puts football on hold over coronavirus
“The Shield final will now be rescheduled for May 12 to give the fans the opportunity to watch the important match,” said Pui. “We are also happy title chasers R&F have agreed to give up their four home games in Guangzhou.
“If a team travels to Guangzhou for the away game, it may have to go through a 14-day quarantine after the match and no team is willing to take that risk. R&F will now play their home games in Hong Kong, depending on the venue availability.
“But we still don’t know when the football venues can reopen for league matches. Hopefully it can be some time in early March. Otherwise the current season, which is due to end in May, will be heavily affected.”
There will be three Sapling Cup group matches a day from next week at the Tseung Kwan O Training Centre, with only the media allowed to attend.
