Hong Kong Football Thread (R)

South China Morning Post

Kim is the front-runner for newly-created post

Chan Kin-wa

Former South China coach Kim Pan-gon is poised to make a quick return to Hong Kong to take up a newly-created academy coach job before a new national team manager arrives.

After two failed attempts to secure a high-calibre candidate for the top coaching job, the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) will recruit someone for a middle-ranking position to handle coaching matters as an interim measure.

Although the new post still needs to go through an open recruitment process - expected to be launched by the HKFA this week - it is believed the South Korean, who left South China for health reasons in December 2010, is the favourite. A technical director will also be hired, to look after coaching education, grassroots development and mini and women's soccer.

The two appointments, both funded by the government under its soccer revival scheme, Phoenix Project, are expected to bring more overseas expertise and knowledge to build strong foundations for the future.

"We need people to start all the ground work and cannot put everything on hold until the arrival of the new team manager," said a well-informed source at the HFKA.

"The academy coach is not the national team manager and the requirements are different. We want someone who is familiar with the Hong Kong set-up but can bring new expertise and knowledge to the game. A local candidate may not fit the requirements and ideally we are looking for someone from overseas."

Kim, 42, left the Caroliners to join K-League side Gyeongnam FC as assistant coach. But last month he declared his interest in becoming the Hong Kong manager, a post he held part-time during his time with South China, and led Hong Kong to a gold medal at the 2009 East Asian Games.

His application was rejected after he missed the recruitment deadline, but with the creation of the new post, Kim is the logical favourite.

HKFA director Ken Ng Kin said they would need someone to help the new national team manager start the foundation work. Ideally this person should have local knowledge and experience, but should also bring new ideas from overseas. He refused to disclose details, saying the appointment is still under discussion.

However, he did not doubt Kim had the ability to do the job.

"Kim is a strong contender if he applies," said Ng. "Most of all, he has been the Hong Kong coach and is very familiar with the set-up here. He also has the background of working in the K-League which will give him an edge."

In early October, veteran English coach Brian Eastick turned down an offer to become the Hong Kong manager, while Darren Robinson, a former performance coach with Nottingham Forest, was rejected after attending an interview in Hong Kong, forcing the HKFA to continue its world-wide search.

 

15 Nov 2011
Hong Kong U21 1:2 Russia U19 at Mong Kok Stadium

Hong Kong's goal:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLb0OHprz2M"]HK_U21_vs_Russia_U19_HK_goal.AVI - YouTube[/ame]

 

Tickets were free and many students got tickets from their school. Everybody was promised a free gift (towel) so people got tickets would tend to go.

 

South China Morning Post

Soccer match-fix swoop by ICAC

Graft-busters arrest one member of HK's under-21 team, and others are being investigated after raid on international match at Mong Kok Stadium

John Carney and Clifford Lo

A member of Hong Kong's under-21 soccer team has been arrested and others are under investigation in a major crackdown by the Independent Commission Against Corruption on match-fixing.

Last night, Iu Wai was still being questioned after anti-graft investigators staged an unprecedented raid on Tuesday night's under-21 international between Hong Kong and Russia at Mong Kok Stadium.

A complaint that players had been approached to throw the match triggered the swoop by 30 officers.

Iu, a 20-year-old substitute who plays for local club Hong Kong Sapling, was later arrested.

Last year, Iu was arrested but not charged in a connection with a soccer bribery court case when mainlander Yu Yang was found guilty of trying to fix a First Division match between Happy Valley and Fourway Rangers. Yu was jailed for 10 months.

The ICAC's investigation on Tuesday night was triggered by complaints made by some of Iu's teammates.

All the players that were approached turned down the alleged offer made by Iu and immediately reported the incident to team management.

"The arrested footballer had allegedly attempted to offer monetary advantages to those teammates as rewards for their help," an ICAC spokesman said.

"The investigation revealed that those players who were approached by the arrested footballer rejected all the latter's requests. Further inquiries are continuing."

The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) said it had given the ICAC its full co-operation in the inquiry.

"It is very disappointing that this has happened, but we are very happy that none of the other players took up the arrested player's offer," an HKFA spokesman said. "This proves that our squad did not want to be involved in any kind of corruption."

However, there could be wider implications. A person familiar with the case said that it raised other questions because Iu was a member of Hong Kong Sapling, which mainly comprised Hong Kong under-21 team members and was established by the football association as a development team to train for the 2013 East Asia Games. The team lies bottom of the Hong Kong First Division, with no points after five games played, 21 goals conceded and only one scored.

Rumours have been circulating in local soccer circles that Hong Kong Sapling is also under investigation by the ICAC, and the fact that one of its players was allegedly behind this attempt at match-fixing has only fuelled speculation. The club has denied it is under investigation.

"I'm disappointed at what has happened, but I have warned my players not to get involved in any illegal behaviour, and I'm satisfied that they will not," said Philip Lee Fai-lap, Sapling's team manager.

The person familiar with the case also alleged Iu approached at least four or five teammates to fix the match, and that he attempted to offer tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars to each of them.

A mother of one of the Hong Kong squad members said the players had no idea they were going to be questioned by the ICAC after Tuesday's night's match and that it had come as a shock to them all.

 

The Standard

Foul play

Phila Siu

Graftbusters have arrested a member of Hong Kong's youth football team for allegedly trying to fix a match against Russia.

The Russians won 2-1 in the game played on Tuesday night.

Sources identified the arrested player as midfielder Ip Wai, 20, who was on the bench during the match at Mong Kok Stadium.

Ip was also arrested last year for alleged involvement in match-fixing, but he was released.

The Independent Commission Against Corruption did not identify the footballer arrested in the latest incident but alleged he approached teammates with offers of money for their help to lose the match by a wide margin.

The ICAC said the players approached rejected the offer. Sources said Ip offered up to HK$30,000 to seven or eight team members.

Ip was just a middleman in a syndicate masterminded from the mainland, the sources said.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club did not offer betting on the match but bets could be placed overseas.

The ICAC received a tip-off and sent 50 officers as spectators to monitor the match.

It is understood that 20 players of the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team were taken away by the ICAC for questioning after the game. All but Ip were released the same night.

About 90 percent of seats were filled for the match celebrating the reopening of Mong Kok Stadium after a HK$275 million renovation.

Hong Kong Football Association chairman Brian Leung Hung-Tak and the president of the Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, were also at the game.

After Ip was cleared of involvement in match-fixing last year, he said: "I am worried about what people in other teams will think of me.

"But I am a clean man so there should not be a problem."

The youth team's deputy coach Lee Fai-lap was quoted as saying his players were taken to the ICAC for questioning immediately after Tuesday's match.

He also said Hong Kong football has already hit the bottom, and the latest match-fixing allegation will hurt the sport's reputation and image.

The released players appeared nervous and in poor spirits during a practice session yesterday.

In another incident, mainlander Yu Yang, 28, was jailed for 10 months in May last year for trying to fix a First Division match.

The former Happy Valley club player admitted offering defender Jean Jacques Kilama of Fourway Rangers a bribe before the two clubs were about to play against each other in October 2009.

Hong Kong Football Association said in a statement last night that none of his directors were invited by the ICAC for questioning.

The association has been working closely with the ICAC and successfully prevented any match fixing in the match against the Russian team, it said.

 

Not surprised at all... given the fact that you're paying these players so little. Anything in the 5 digits HKD is decidedly quit a bit of money.

I played one game for HK U-23 vs. Macau a few years ago and something was decidedly off when all of a sudden our defense decided to let the other team walk-in, maybe for face or something but definitely some sketchy stuff going on.

 

http://www.icac.org.hk/en/news_and_events/pr2/index_uid_1238.html

Footballer arrested in graft probe faces ICAC charges
17/11/2011

A football player, who was earlier arrested in a corruption investigation, has been today (Thursday) charged by the ICAC for alleged bribery in fixing a football match.

Iu Wai, 20, faces two counts of offering an advantage to an agent, contrary to Section 9(2) of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

The defendant will appear at Kowloon City Magistracy at 2:30 pm tomorrow (Friday).

One of the charges alleges that on November 12, 2011, the defendant offered several tens of thousands of dollars to a football player of Hong Kong Youth Representative Team (HKYRT) as a reward for assisting in fixing a match between HKYRT and Russian National Youth Team held in the evening of November 15.

The other charge alleges that on November 14, 2011, the defendant offered $40,000 to another football player of HKYRT for the same purpose.

 

Russia defeated Hong Kong by 9:0 in the International Friendly Football Match held at Pong Kong Village Road Park held today (17 November, 2011).



Donald Tsang was in attendance. Mr Tsang said the visit of the Russian team is a good example of other forms of exchange between Hong Kong and Russia. The team’s visit was organised after Mr Tsang met Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in April.

Mr Tsang said the visit is a valuable experience for both sides as well as a great opportunity to nurture friendships, adding the Government will continue to boost resources for local soccer development.

When asked about the Independent Commission Against Corruption’s investigation on a match fixing accusation during the friendly match on November 15 between the Russian side and the Hong Kong Youth Representative Team, Mr Tsang said Hong Kong people do not tolerate any act of corruption and he believes young people respect their moral integrity.

 

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8PQs4yAcC94"]??vs???(2011.11.13.??????)??11???0:4(???????) - YouTube[/ame]

An internet soccer sensation in Hong Kong.

 

Weekend results:
Friday:
Sapling 1:1 Tuen Mun

Saturday:
Tai Po FC 0:1 Sunhei
Biu Chun Rangers 0:0 Sham Shui Po

Sunday:
Citizen 0:0 Kitchee
TSW Pegasus 2:1 South China

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEqCYhMwM58&feature=share"]TSW Pegasus vs South China (2011.11.20) - YouTube[/ame]

Chan Siu Ki slapped Karl Dodd and Dodd retaliated. Referee only sent Dodd off and gave Chan a yellow card. But still South China lost the game.

 

HAHAHAHA at the Youtube comments

"#37 match fixing"

 

South China Morning Post

Tough job ahead as McKie takes up HKFA hot seat

Lauded ex-head of Scottish rugby union tasked with restoring credibility, vitality to Hong Kong football

Chan Kin-wa

Scotsman Gordon McKie has been confirmed as the first chief executive officer of the Hong Kong Football Association, tasked with revitalising the sport in the city after many years of decline.

The 54-year-old former head of the Scottish Rugby Football Union arrived in Hong Kong at the weekend to begin a three-year contract, believed to be worth more than HK$2 million a year.

He is ready to start his tenure as soon as he is granted a work permit, which is expected to be a formality.

"We are delighted to bring McKie on board, especially in view of his background and experience," said HKFA chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak. "With his appointment, we can press ahead with Project Phoenix to revive the game in Hong Kong.

"He will be given full power by the HKFA board to oversee the entire organisation and one of his major tasks will be helping identify commercial sponsorship. He will also help with the recruitment of the national team coach."

The HKFA's first CEO, McKie has a successful track record in helping to transform and improve businesses across a number of sectors.

Until June, he was the chief executive of Scottish Rugby. During his six-year tenure, Scottish Rugby was rescued from looming insolvency and he oversaw a dramatic improvement in the organisation's performance both on and off the field. At the time of his resignation, Scottish Rugby was viewed as one of the most credible and well-run governing bodies in world sport.

McKie, who played soccer as a centre-half in his youth, said "as a keen follower of soccer and sport in general, I feel honoured to be appointed as the first ever CEO of the HKFA, and I look forward to the many challenges that lie ahead as well as leading an organisation at such an exciting time".

The recruitment of the CEO is a major initiative of the government's Project Phoenix, aimed at reviving Hong Kong soccer at all levels. The HKFA has long been criticised for a perceived lack of transparency and poor management, and McKie said one of his tasks will be turning the HKFA into a "reliable organisation".

 

Senior Challenge Shied quarter-finals:

South China 2:1 Sham Shui Po (South China wins 3:2 aggregate)
Citizen 1:2 Tuen Mun SA (Tuen Mun knock out holders 4:3 aggregate)
Biu Chun Rangers 0:4 TSW Pegasus (TSW Pegasus wins 9:0 agg)
Sunhei 2:1 Tai Po (Sunhei wins 3:1)

Semi-finals:
Sunhei will play Tuen Mun while TSW Pegasus will play South China. Matches to be played in December.

 

South China Morning Post

Make games more fun for spectators, pleads McKie

HKFA chief executive says local matches can provide half-time entertainment to attract bigger crowds

Chan Kin-wa

Newly appointed Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) chief executive Gordon McKie believes more interactive engagement with fans, such as penalty-kick contests during intervals, can increase match attendances.

"We need to engage the spectators more with entertainment activities," said McKie after watching yesterday's match between Biu Chun Rangers and TSW Pegasus in the Canbo Senior Shield at Mong Kok Stadium.

"Also, the branding of the venue can be further explored to entertain the sponsors. I will talk to the clubs and officials to see what can be done. But, overall, I am impressed with the organisation of the matches being conducted, from box office to turnstiles and ball-boy arrangements; they all look fine."

However, the Scot, who also watched the Citizen v Tuen Mun match on Saturday, did not want to compare the standard of local games with other countries.

"It is what it is," he said. "I think the association can do something on the technical side, such as coaching to help the clubs, but it will take time."

Meanwhile, Sunray Cave Sun Hei filled the last Canbo Senior Shield semi-final berth with a sensational 2-1 win over visitors Wofoo Tai Po at Mong Kok yesterday.

After their 2-1 victory in the away leg, they set up a clash against Tuen Mun for a place in the final, which will decide one of the two slots for the regional AFC Cup.

The other semi-final will feature South China and TSW Pegasus. The latter thrashed Biu Chun Rangers 4-0 yesterday and went through 9-0 on aggregate. In a high-tempo match, Cheng Siu-wai opened the scoring in the first half for Sun Hei, the only unbeaten side in all domestic competitions, in front of a crowd of 2,300.

Although substitute Christian Annan levelled after the break, Mamadou Barry settled matters with a powerful drive in the 77th minute to send Sun Hei into the next round.

"Tai Po have made a lot of progress and they have made it very difficult for us," said Cheng, who was named Player of Month for October. "We have to thank our defence as they held off our opponents."

The striker has set his sights on maintaining the team's unbeaten record till the end of the season. "You need to have a target to aim for and it's not impossible if we can maintain our unbeaten form," he said. "I am enjoying a good run at the moment and hopefully it can also help improve my chances of returning to the Hong Kong national squad."

 

South China AA will once again organize the 2012 Lunar New Year Cup, this time, same as last year, renamed as Asian Challenge Cup.

The three foreign clubs taking part will be: Guangzhou R&F F.C. (China), Shimizu S-Pulse (Japan) and Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma (South Korea). The dates are 23 and 26 January (first and fourth days of CNY).

 

South China Morning Post

Sealy living the dream as a pro

Fullback has come a long way from his amateur days to now being on the fringe of a Hong Kong call-up

Chan Kin-wa

Six months ago, he was playing for an amateur side. Now fullback Jonathan "Jack" Sealy is a professional with a chance to play for the Hong Kong team later this month.

The son of former Hong Kong footballer Tony Sealy has been called up by acting head coach Liu Chun-fai as the national side prepare for the Interport Cup against Guangdong.

The 24-year-old, who took part in his first training session with the Hong Kong squad at Tsing Yi North East Park yesterday, said he was still pinching himself to make sure his meteoric rise is not just a dream.

"It's just like a fairy tale," said Sealy, who six months ago joined Sunray Cave Sun Hei, the First Division league leaders. "I was still playing for Football Club six months ago as an amateur, a club that I have played for since the age of five, and although they were relegated to the Second Division in the summer, I got the opportunity to play for Sun Hei. And now I also have the chance of playing for the national team."

Born in England before moving with his father to Hong Kong in 1992, Sealy said he now considered the city as his permanent home. "My friends are here, my family is here and I want to stay here as long as possible. And now I'll even have the great honour of representing Hong Kong," he said.

His father Tony was a striker back home. The Londoner appeared as a substitute in the 1979 League Cup final for Southampton, only the second black player to play for the team after Alf Charles in 1937.

His best spell came in Queen Park Rangers' promotion season of 1982-83, when he was top scorer for a club that featured the likes of Clive Allen and Simon Stainrod. In 1992, Tony moved to Hong Kong to play for Michelotti and then champions Eastern before settling in with Football Club, where he is now their operations manager and soccer coach.

Jack Sealy is loving his first season with Sun Hei and said that while some people might be surprised by how well the team were doing first season, he was expecting it.

"During the pre-season, we recruited a number of quality, experienced players and they have all contributed to the club," he said.

"We are deservedly on top of the standings and have also reached the semi-finals of the Senior Shield. I can't complain about my first season as a pro!"

Sealy said he would be willing to surrender his British passport to play for Hong Kong on the international stage. "I'd have no hesitation in applying for a Hong Kong passport if that's what it takes, but for now I'll wait and see," he said. Two other players who have been called up for the first time - Karikari Godfred, originally from Ghana, and Jaimes McKee from Britain - are already in the process of applying for a Hong Kong passport.

Hong Kong's next international tournament will be July's East Asian Championship when Hong Kong will face North Korea, Taiwan and a qualifier from the Pacific Islands to fight for a berth in the finals against South Korea, Japan and China.

Coach Liu said it was important to have a long-term plan for the national team. "We have to prove in the Interport that it would be worthwhile to invest in this team," he said.

"But the Interport won't be easy because the level of soccer on the mainland is higher than in Hong Kong. We have recruited a number of forwards such as Godfred, McKee and Chan Lap-ming [of Tai Po]."Liu will cut the squad to 20 members before the first leg of the interport at Hong Kong Stadium on December 28. The return leg will be held in Huizhou City four days later.

 

Senior Challenge Shield semi-final first leg
Yuen Long Stadium
TSW Pegasus 2:2 South China

Second leg on Christmas Day at Hong Kong Stadium.

 

Senior Challenge Shield semi-final first leg
Tuen Mun SA 0:1 Sunhei

 

Chan Siu Ki has escaped suspension because referee Ng Chiu Kwok failed to report his misconduct (above) within 48 hours after the match, while Dodd has been suspended for two games.

There is outrage in the goalgoalgoal forums, both for the lenient treatment of Chan and the incompetence of Hong Kong referees.

 

South China Morning Post

HKFA stunned by Red Devils' US$3m demand

Manchester United's asking price for pre-season friendly too rich for governing body, meaning English giants likely set for Macau or mainland

Chan Kin-wa

Hong Kong soccer chiefs have baulked at a hefty asking price of US$3 million for Manchester United to play in the city during a pre-season Asian tour next year.

"The price is simply unaffordable," said Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak. "They are seeking a net profit of US$3 million. On top of that, we would still have to pay for their airfares and first-class accommodation. It is too risky with a potential heavy loss."

The holders of 19 English top-tier titles and twice European Champions League winners are planning a pre-season tour to Asia in the summer. It is understood that Hong Kong, Macau and the mainland feature prominently in the club's list of desirable destinations. A mainland sports agent confirmed that Manchester United had asked for US$6 million to play two matches there.

The Red Devils' asking price appears to far outstrip those of their Premiership rivals. Two years ago, Liverpool sought HK$15 million for an exhibition match and were accused of demanding an "out-of-market price". The trip never materialised. South China spent HK$6 million when they hosted Tottenham Hotspur in 2009.

Leung (pictured) said if the HKFA wanted to profit from the match, it would have to charge an average of HK$1,000 a ticket - even if it received financial support from the government's Mega Events Fund and commercial sponsorship.

"The maximum capacity of the Hong Kong Stadium is 40,000. Bear in mind the government will take away 20 per cent of the gate receipts as a hiring charge. It is unlikely the fans will come to watch for that ticket price. People can watch EPL [English Premier League] teams week in and week out in live television coverage.

"It may be easier to do it in China where you can find stadiums with a capacity of 70,000 or 80,000 like the Bird's Nest in Beijing. They are enjoying a booming economy with people willing to spend, but it will be very difficult to justify the cost in Hong Kong."

The Mega Events Fund agreed to support the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club to the tune of HK$10 million to help stage an international regatta in Victoria Harbour last year, although the event was cancelled due to a lacklustre response from the international sailing community. More recently, the Hong Kong Golf Association received HK$8 million from the fund for its flagship tournament, the annual Hong Kong Open.

"Unless we can find a real big commercial sponsor, it's unlikely we can go ahead with the match," Leung said.

"We would be happy if any individual club wants to take over the match. They would be most welcome. It is always our aim to bring top-class competition to Hong Kong but the price is too high this time."

Kitchee boss Ken Ng Kin said none of the clubs could afford to stage the event.

When the Barclays Asia Trophy was held in Hong Kong this summer featuring Chelsea, Aston Villa, Blackburn Rovers and domestic champions Kitchee, the highest ticket price was HK$460 for two matches a day. The HKFA did not pay any fee to get the teams as the tournament was underwritten by the EPL.

Manchester United have visited six times, the last time beating a Hong Kong team 2-0 in 2005.

========================================================
US$3million is HK$24million. Divided by 40,000 capacity that's HK$600 per ticket. Considering the HK stadium takes a 20% cut on ticket sales, it means they have to charge HK$750. Add the accommodation and first class flights for Man Utd, you easily get beyond HK$800. That would be too expensive, particularly if you consider the 2011 Barclays Asia Trophy's highest ticket price was just HK$460 for two matches.

 

http://www.hkfa.com/includes_files/board_details.php?news_id=9120

HKFA appoint National Head Coach

The Hong Kong Football Association today confirmed the appointment of Ernie Merrick as the new National Head Coach.

HKFA Chief Executive Officer Gordon McKie said; ‘’we are delighted to confirm this key appointment in our new senior management team. Ernie brings significant experience of high performance, professional football in Australia, having been involved in coaching for more than 30 years. He has also coached at the highest level in the new Australian professional competition --the A League—where he was appointed as the inaugural Head Coach of Melbourne Victory FC, and achieved winning outcomes and success for the club, as well as their players, supporters and sponsors. Inter personally, Ernie has a style that we need here in Hong Kong. From our initial discussions and meetings, I know that will be very much a ‘hands- on’ coach and work closely with the current national team as well as our senior representative sides in developing the next generation of international players for Hong Kong’’.

Commenting upon his appointment, Ernie Merrick said ;‘’ I feel extremely privileged and honoured to have the opportunity to coach the National Football Team of Hong Kong. During the last few weeks, I have been hugely encouraged to learn about the exciting plans to develop and grow football in Hong Kong, and I have been impressed by the way in which the recruitment process has been handled by the HKFA’s Board, and notably Chairman, Brian Leung, and CEO Gordon McKie.

It’s clear to me that the HKFA Board are determined to “raise the bar” of football in Hong Kong and I greatly appreciate the opportunity to play my part in this challenge. I accept the responsibility as National Head Coach and I will aim to provide direction in the physical, technical and strategic aspects of the game. Most importantly, I want to offer assistance, leadership and support to the many talented football players in Hong Kong’’.

The Chairman of the HKFA Brian Leung, added; ‘’ Ernie Merrick’s appointment is another step in the right direction for football in Hong Kong and the Board is pleased to have secured his services. In time, I am hopeful that the national team will benefit from Ernie’s experience and leadership, and this will assist us greatly in delivering our strategic vision for football in Hong Kong. I look forward to welcoming Ernie to Hong Kong early next month’’

 

United are crazy to ask for this type of money and I'm glad the HKFA aren't going to do something stupid and give in. Let Macau have them and I'm sure the hardcore fans will just take the ferry over to watch them. I wonder who they would play in Macau, though.

I'm pleased HK has a national team coach again.

 

Sunhei 2:3 Citizen (Nakamura scored a hat-trick)
Biuchun Rangers 4:0 Sapling
TSW Pegasus 3:1 Tuen Mun
South China 2:0 Kitchee (two goals by Joel)

These results combined to mean the top 4 teams are just 2 points apart now. TSW Pegasus leads the table.