Hong Kong open to Prem Plan

Former British colony hoping to stage 'international round'

By James Pearson   Last updated: 15th February 2008

Portsmouth Asia Cup winners 2007

Pompey: 2007 Asia Cup winners

I do not think it would affect the local league, I think it would increase interest.

Brian Leung
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Hong Kong have bucked the trend of blasting the Premier League's 39th game plans by stating they would be 'very interested' in staging matches.

While Australia have joined the likes of the United States Soccer Federation and the Asian Football Confederation in voicing their opposition to the plans, Hong Kong are on board.

Football Association chairman Brian Leung has stated the former British colony would be interested in staging games and have already been in touch with Premier League chief executive Richard Scudamore.

Hong Kong already has success with Premier League sides having staged the Asia Trophy last summer that involved the likes of Fulham, Liverpool and Portsmouth.

Very interested

"The Hong Kong Football Association would be very interested (in staging games)," Leung said. "We have already sent an e-mail to Richard Scudamore expressing our interest.

"After the success of the Asia Trophy, when the plan was mentioned, Hong Kong was one of the first places mentioned.

"The Premier League were very happy with the Asia Trophy. They know that the fans are here and the interest is here."

While some leagues believe bringing the Premier League to their shores would disrupt the local league, Hong Kong can only see positives from the plans.

"I do not think it would affect the local league, I think it would increase interest," he continued.

"I have spoken to fans in Hong Kong and people in the Hong Kong government and they are very interested, as they want Hong Kong to be a global city."