Hong Kong FA Officials Back Lunar New Year Cup With Own Money

Hong Kong FA officials are "putting their own money on the line," guaranteeing that next month's Lunar New Year Cup "will not lose money," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. After a three-year break during which individual clubs ran the tournament, the HKFA has decided to "return as the official organiser, albeit with a weakened cast." The teams invited for the two-day tournament are Thai champions Muangthong United, mainland side Shanghai East Asia, Busan I Park of South Korea and Hong Kong League XI. A source said, "We understand these teams are not household names in Hong Kong, but at least we will not lose any money. Four of our senior officials have agreed to underwrite the tournament." The four officials underwriting the tournament are HKFA Chair Brian Leung Hung-tak, Vice Chairs Steven Lo Kit-sing and Pui Kwan-kay, and Board Dir Ken Ng Kin. They are also "tasked with soliciting sponsors and selling ground advertising at Hong Kong Stadium" (SCMP, 1/10).