Hong Kong Premier League battles against decline and mismanagement

Jade Denosta July 29, 2024

The Hong Kong Premier League (HKPL), which currently has nine teams, is experiencing declining standards and reduced fan engagement. As the new football season approaches, there has yet to be an official start date, fixtures, or clear plans in place, leading to uncertainty about the league’s future.

Andrew Mak Yung-pan, vice-chairman of Kowloon City, one of the league’s new top-flight clubs, confirmed the ongoing confusion surrounding the upcoming season, saying, “It is still in progress, there is nothing set in stone.” The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) is facing criticism for how it has handled the league. Recent reports highlight a lack of effective marketing and promotion, leading to decreased sponsorship, television revenue, and fan support. The HKFA, led by Eric Fok Kai-shan, (in photo above) is under scrutiny for its perceived stagnation. Recent match-fixing scandals have also affected the league, further damaging its reputation. Calls for a revamped league format are growing, with suggestions to increase competitive matches among top teams, eliminate one-cup competition, and introduce a more inclusive FA Cup. In light of Hong Kong’s strong performance in the Asian Cup, there are speculations about the potential integration of Hong Kong teams into the Chinese Super League (CSL). This move could give Hong Kong teams higher-quality competition and potentially reinvigorate local fan interest. The new Kai Tak Sports Park stadium is ready to host matches, offering a modern venue that could enhance the league’s profile. However, any revival efforts will require decisive action from the HKFA.

Is bad governance behind the Premier League crisis?

Aside from the ongoing crisis with the league’s industry presence, internal problems also exist within the management. The HKFA has been searching for a new head coach for the representative team following the resignation of Jorn Andersen. Additionally, the CEO position, previously held by Joaquin Tam Chau-long, remains vacant. The HKFA’s Vision 2025 plan, established in 2020, aimed to improve local football standards and develop young talent but has yet to deliver significant results. The Culture, Sports, and Tourism Bureau (CSTB) has noted its substantial HK$24.2 million (approximately €2.9 million) investment for the 2023-24 period, with the effectiveness of this funding being questioned.

John Lee Ka-chiu, the leader of Hong Kong, has announced that sports organizations are being reviewed for their use of public funds, putting pressure on the HKFA to show improvement.

Fok family’s enduring commitment to football

Eric Fok Kai-shan represents the third generation of his family’s long-standing involvement with football governance. His grandfather, Henry Fok, served as the president of the HKFA for 27 years starting from 1970. He was succeeded by Eric’s father, Timothy Fok, who held the position for 26 years until the summer of 2023.

Eric Fok, who first joined the board nearly a decade ago, began his second term as director in 2019. That same year, he was elected vice-chairman alongside Matthew Wong and was named a member of the Asian Football Confederation executive committee. Despite the family’s deep-rooted history in football, Eric’s passion for the sport is said to stem more from his 12-year study experience in London, rather than his family lineage.

Under Eric’s leadership, the HKFA faces significant challenges, including allegations of match-fixing, corruption, and a struggling Premier League. Despite these issues, Eric remains committed to transforming Hong Kong football into more than just a game, but an industry and a business.