Hong Kong FA Wants Stadium Renovation Reconsidered To Accommodate EPL Liverpool

The Hong Kong FA will push the government to "reconsider a renovation plan for Hong Kong Stadium to accommodate a proposed visit" by Liverpool next summer, according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. HKFA Chair Brian Leung Hung-tak said that Liverpool, which has a "strong fan base in Hong Kong," was keen to visit in its preseason in '15, but the government "planned to close the 40,000-seat venue next year after the annual Rugby Sevens in March." It is "believed the sponsor of Liverpool, Standard Chartered Bank, is keen to bring the Reds to Hong Kong due to the bank's strong presence in the community here." The Leisure & Cultural Services Department, which manages the facility in So Kon Po, said that it is "planning full reconstruction of the Hong Kong Stadium" turf pitch in '15 and is working out the details of the project, "including the works schedule" (SCMP, 4/14).