Chinese Super League clubs’ refusal to release Hong Kong players for country’s own Asian Games frustrates coach Jorn Andersen
- Hong Kong’s Games preparation dealt blow by Chinese clubs Dalian Pro and Zhejiang Pro blocking selections of Vas Nunez and Leung Nok-hang
- City’s coach Andersen also blasts Hong Kong Premier League, baffled by officials’ decision to play domestic fixtures during Games
Hong Kong coach Jorn Andersen still hopes striker Matt Orr can take his place in the city’s Asian Games squad after two other players based in mainland China had their selection blocked by their Chinese clubs.
Andersen had backed mainland experience to fill his quota of three permitted overage players for the under-23 tournament at next month’s China-hosted Games, but preparations have been hit by the refusal of Chinese Super League clubs to release two of the trio for the event in Hangzhou.
The coach was left crossing his fingers over the availability of Orr, who plays for Guangxi Pingguo Haliao in China League One, which will shut down during the Games.
There is no break in the Chinese Super League season, however, and Dalian Pro and Zhejiang Pro would not allow Andersen use of defenders Vas Nunez and Leung Nok-hang respectively.
Andersen – also vexed over two Hong Kong Premier League fixtures clashing with the Games – is eyeing alternatives, with Li Ngai-hoi, 28, who last month joined BC Rangers from mainland side Nantong Zhiyun, among those under consideration.
“The Chinese Super League will not stop and these teams won’t give us the players,” Andersen said. “They are not obliged to release anybody [the Games being outside Fifa jurisdiction], so we have to go for the second choices.
