Can Hong Kong retain Cristiano Ronaldo factor as its Premier League kicks off?
Local league returns this weekend for 2025-26 season and officials hope to attract more fans to stadiums
Hong Kong football chief Eric Fok Kai-shan has said the sport locally is “gaining momentum”, as the Premier League counts down to its big kick-off on Friday.
Asked how some of the thousands who watched the likes of Liverpool, Arsenal and Al-Nassr this summer could be persuaded to watch the local club game, Fok, chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), said: “We’re always looking at how we can grow attendances and the Hong Kong Premier League brand.
“The big picture is that we have a passion for football in the city, and we’re working with teams to help [grow interest] by bringing new elements to matches.”
Fok said the HKFA was playing a “crucial role” in brokering conversations between clubs and government, as the league’s 10 teams try to secure use of their stadiums for longer on matchdays to create an improved supporter experience.
“It’s been a busy summer and the Hong Kong team doing well adds to our football culture,” Fok added. “We’re gaining momentum and the league has more teams and sponsors, so everything is going in a positive direction.”