We did nothing wrong hiring Gary White, says FA chief Pui Kwan-kay as accusations fly over late recruitment
- Chairman Pui Kwan-kay says the English coach’s appointment was made after ‘thorough board discussions’
- Audit Report says the association should improve its recruitment policies
Hong Kong Football Association chairman Pui Kwan-kay has rejected accusations of any wrongdoing in hiring former head coach Gary White, saying the city’s governing football body followed proper procedures and policies.
White’s appointment in September 2018 was made after the deadline for applicants for the position had passed but Pui said the Englishman’s appointment was “fully endorsed” by the FA board after two meetings.
The coach’s appointment was considered a huge success after White led Hong Kong to the 2019 East Asian Football Federation final. However, the 45-year-old coach surprisingly quit Hong Kong after just three months in charge.
White’s appointment was last month criticised following the government’s Audit Report, which also accused the FA of “poor governance” and “lacking progress”.
However, Pui defended White’s appointment, saying the FA had made the right appointment and he asked for support from all parties going forward with the association hoping to receive adequate funding from the government.
“There were thorough discussion on the head coach appointment before the board reached a decision,” Pui said. “White was the best candidate for the job and that proved true when he led Hong Kong to the EAFF final. We feel sorry someone used the Audit Commission to attack the association.
