Hong Kong waiting for ex-Blackburn star, as defender’s passport application rumbles on

Jay Haddow said his “tricky” passport application process is likely to drag into the second half of 2025, and delay any potential Hong Kong debut.

Defender Haddow, who has dual English and Japanese citizenship, was born in the city, but moved to England, aged 12. Last summer, he returned to join Kitchee following eight years at Blackburn Rovers.

With only six foreign players permitted to start local league matches, and Kitchee packed with overseas talent, the 20-year-old has a battle for action. His naturalisation is being slowed because he has to surrender his current passports, one after the other.

“Giving up two passports makes the process trickier and I think it will be the start of next season before it is resolved,” Haddow said.

“Being young and a defender, and with the number of foreigners at Kitchee, it’s been tough for me to play.”

Haddow accelerated his comeback from a thigh injury, and accompanying sports hernia, when he played in Tuesday’s Kai Tak Stadium clash between the Kitchee and North District under-22 teams.