By Peter Alsop October 9, 2015 / 15:26 HKT
Hong Kong’s crunch 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against bitter rivals China next month will be held at Mong Kok Stadium after authorities ruled out Hong Kong Stadium.
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) had hoped to host China in the 40,000-capacity national stadium on Nov. 17, but were informed by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) on Thursday that the venue would not be available.
The game will now be staged at Mong Kok Stadium, where although a cauldron atmosphere can be expected, just 4,000 tickets will be on offer to the general public after those already sold and the visitors’ allocation have been accounted for.
“This is a huge match with massive demand for tickets and it is very disappointing the main stadium will not be ready, thus depriving many fans of an opportunity to support the Hong Kong team from the stands,” said the HKFA in a statement.
Speculation had been rife that the authorities would block the proposal to stage the game at Hong Kong Stadium because the potential of 40,000 fans booing the Chinese national anthem – in a repeat of incidences in previous qualifiers against Bhutan, the Maldives and Qatar - could cause huge embarrassment.
However, the official line given was that the playing surface would not be at the world-class standard required because the Olympic Rugby Sevens Qualifier Tournament is taking place at the stadium on Nov. 7 and 8.
The Mong Kok venue was chosen over the 12,000-capacity Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground after a meeting between the HKFA and the team. “The players play there week in, week out and are familiar with the environment,” explained coach Kim Pan-gon. “We are happy to hear the decision.”
After four games, Hong Kong sit in second place in Group F on seven points, five adrift of leaders Qatar and above China on goal difference. The team faces must-win games in Bhutan and the Maldives before China’s arrival in mid-November.
Photo: Wikipedia
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