Editorial | Hong Kong cannot afford another own goal
With five top teams on their way to Hong Kong for a ‘festival of football’, fans must manage their expectations following the Messi farce
Hong Kong sports fans are being treated to an exciting schedule of top-level events following the opening of the city’s new 50,000-seat stadium last month.
A “festival of football”, featuring four top European teams in July, was announced just a day after the conclusion of the celebrated Rugby Sevens. There is much to look forward to.
Hopes were high that the new stadium would make it easier to attract football giants to Hong Kong. Local fans will not be disappointed. Liverpool, one of the city’s most popular English teams, will play Italian favourites AC Milan. Five days later, North London rivals Arsenal and Tottenham will do battle.
Capacity crowds are expected. More than half are predicted to come from outside Hong Kong, boosting the city’s economy. It is a tantalising prospect.
Manchester United, meanwhile, are due to play a select Hong Kong XI in May. Kai Tak is not available, so the match is set to take place at Hong Kong Stadium.
The arrival of these famous teams offers Hong Kong a chance to move on from last year’s embarrassing visit by Inter Miami, from the United States.