Exclusive | Hong Kong football boss Westwood to leave job days after disappointing Singapore defeat
Source says head coach to go after 15 months in the post, with departure tied to failure to qualify for 2027 Asian Cup finals in Saudi Arabia
Confusion surrounded the future of Hong Kong boss Ashley Westwood on Friday, with sources telling the Post he was leaving his role as head coach of the city’s football team, and officials remaining tight-lipped as speculation mounted that they were set to act.
Englishman Westwood’s position came into question after Hong Kong slumped to a disappointing 2-1 Asian Cup qualifying defeat by Singapore on Tuesday.
Supporters have clamoured for Westwood’s dismissal, while he was also criticised by the city’s sports minister, Rosanna Law Shuk-pui.
The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) has stayed tight-lipped since the loss at Kai Tak Stadium, which sent Singapore to the 2027 finals at the expense of Hong Kong.
It was originally thought that the association would announce Westwood’s departure as early as Friday afternoon, but they maintained their silence, and it remained unclear whether the 49-year-old had resigned or been pushed out.
Appointed in August last year, Westwood won 10 and lost six of his 20 matches in charge.