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The Football Association of Hong Kong, China
SportFootball

Hong Kong Soccer Sevens or Premier League title blockbuster? Clash was unavoidable, FA chief says

  • Annual tournament includes likes of Aston Villa, Newcastle and Fulham as well as inaugural women’s event
  • Dates collide with potential league title decider between Lee Man and Kitchee, but city’s football CEO plays down impact on attendances

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Tai Po will try to repeat last year’s heroics in the Soccer Sevens, but have a league match on the same day. Photo: HKFC Citi Soccer Sevens
Lars Hamer

Hong Kong football’s CEO has denied that an end-of-season fixture clash represents a missed opportunity, with the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens set to partially eclipse a potential final-day title decider in the city’s Premier League.

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A season curtain-closer, the 22nd Soccer Sevens is to take place from May 24 to 26 at Hong Kong Football Club, featuring an array of English Premier League clubs and promising its usual vibrant atmosphere.

However, the last round of Premier League fixtures falls on May 26 and boasts what is shaping up to be a nail-biting title finale between leaders Lee Man and second-placed Kitchee.

The diary clash comes with the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) already accused of failing to promote the game adequately.

Lee Man face Kitchee on the final day of the Premier League, in what could be a title decider. Photo: HKFA
Lee Man face Kitchee on the final day of the Premier League, in what could be a title decider. Photo: HKFA
Hong Kong midfielder Philip Chan Siu-kwan recently told the Post the city’s clubs “need better broadcast deals, more sponsors and more attention”, and suggested the FA “really needs to take a look at itself”. Norman Lee Man-yan, Lee Man’s president, said FA officials “do not know anything about promotion”.
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