Thu, 28 Oct, 2021
Kowloon: Hong Kong is planning to introduce its new premier league in September this year with 12 clubs participating, it was revealed during a visit by the AFC Kick Off development programme recently.
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) made a presentation on the proposed new league and its competitions structure during the visit on 19 February.
Also during the visit, the AFC made a presentation on Kick Off before both parties had a discussion on the services needed by Kong Kong under the development programme.
During all the activities during the visit, the HKFA was represented by its CEO Mark Sutcliffe, General Secretary Vincent Yuen, Special Projects Manager Paul Woodland and other officials while the AFC delegation consisted of AFC Head of Development Stuart Larman and Development Officer Yogesh Desai.
During the presentation on the proposed league, the HKFA explained that the clubs will be allowed to participate based on the fulfilment of the HKFA club licensing regulations which will be stringently adhered to.
Twelve licenses are available for the new premier league and 11 clubs have made initial applications.
"I would like to thank the AFC for introducing Kick Off in Hong Kong,” Sutcliffe said. “We are in a very critical tipping point in starting the new league in Hong Kong and thereby we expect the AFC through its Kick Off programme to help the HKFA in the marketing of this league.
“It is also important that the HKFA takes advantage of this programme to help the clubs in generating revenues through effective marketing and sponsorship programmes. We are looking forward to making a real difference to football in Hong Kong through the Kick Off programme."
Active discussions and interactions were held between the AFC delegates and HKFA officials to identify how Kick Off services can address the challenges faced by the HKFA in its league and club development.
The areas that were identified as the priorities under Kick Off are player support mechanism, league marketing, club sponsorship and assistance in implementing the AFC Club Licensing Regulations in Hong Kong through the AFC Club Licensing Unit.
Kick Off is a development programme which focuses on strengthening the club and league management of AFC’s Member Associations through tailor-made, self-sustainable remedies.
Hong Kong is one of 16 countries currently benefiting from Kick Off which gives its support through 10 services chosen by the participating MAs.