Hong Kong’s football fans have shown their passion for the sport this summer, flocking to glamorous matches between star-studded visiting teams. Almost 100,000 people watched two games involving a top Italian club and three from England in July’s Football Festival. An impressive 27,000 turned out just to watch Liverpool train. There is no doubting the city’s appetite for the sport.
But this success is in stark contrast to the plight of
the local game. The average attendance for men’s Premier League matches last season was a paltry 685. There is a need to bridge the gap in demand and make the local game more appealing. There is some positivity as the new season begins tonight. An expanded 10-team Premier League is expected to be the most open and competitive for years, and clubs are seeking to provide more entertainment.
Newcomers
Eastern District aim to enhance the match-day experience at the 12,000-capacity Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground by creating a carnival atmosphere, with game booths, padel courts and other sports to play before kick-off. The club is arranging discounts for fans at local restaurants and shops and operating cultural tours to give supporters a full day out. These efforts are to be commended. It is worth trying something new.
Hong Kong football suffers from a lack of fans, sponsors and quality players. It has, at times, been blighted by match-fixing scandals. The women’s teams don’t even have
a professional league. The game is in need of a lift. Fans who splashed out on tickets to see foreign teams might be surprised by how much they enjoy local football if they give it a chance. There is no Cristiano Ronaldo, but there are players from all over the world, as well as local talent. There is no substitute for watching a live game.
It was encouraging to see the enthusiasm shown for the Hong Kong team in June, when 42,000 people attended an AFC Asian Cup qualifier against India. Maybe some of this will rub off on the domestic game. Ultimately, it all depends on providing a good product.
A strong performance will be needed from everyone associated with the sport if local football is to pick up and enjoy a revival.
