The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) is the governing body for football in Hong Kong. Established in 1909, it is one of the oldest football associations in Asia. The HKFA is responsible for organizing various football competitions, including professional and amateur leagues, football development and promoting football in Hong Kong.
The HKFA joined FIFA in 1954 and was also one of twelve founding associations of the Asian Football Confederation. The association is responsible for organizing and promoting football in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong Premier League, the Hong Kong FA Cup, and the Hong Kong Senior Shield.
This guide to the Hong Kong Football Association will provide readers with an overview of the association’s history, its role in promoting football in Hong Kong, and the various competitions it organizes. Whether you’re a football fan or just interested in learning more about the sport in Hong Kong, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to know about the HKFA.
History
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) is one of the oldest football federations in Asia, having been established in 1914. It is responsible for organizing various football competitions, including professional and amateur leagues, football development, and promoting football in Hong Kong.
The HKFA joined FIFA in 1954 and was also one of twelve founding associations of the Asian Football Confederation. The association has a proud history and ambitious plans for the future of football in Hong Kong.
The first football club in Hong Kong was the Hong Kong Football Club, founded in 1886. The club is one of the oldest existing football clubs in Asia. The first football competition in Hong Kong was the Challenge Shield, which was founded in 1898. Its format is similar to the FA Challenge Cup in England.
Over the years, the HKFA has played a significant role in the development of football in Hong Kong. In 1972, the HKFA applied for the allocation of land to build a four-storey clubhouse with 19,000 square footage located at 55. The clubhouse has since become a hub for football activities in Hong Kong.
In recent years, the HKFA has focused on developing the sport at the grassroots level, with a particular emphasis on youth development. The association has also been working to improve the standard of the Hong Kong national team, with the ultimate goal of qualifying for the World Cup.
Overall, the HKFA has a rich history and continues to play a vital role in the development of football in Hong Kong.
Governance
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) is responsible for the governance of football in Hong Kong. The HKFA aims to be one of the best governing bodies of football in Asia, upholding high standards of governance and management, and delivering results on and off the pitch. The governance of the HKFA is overseen by a Chief Executive and the Legislative Council.
Chief Executive
The Chief Executive of the HKFA is responsible for the overall management and administration of the association. The current Chief Executive of the HKFA is Joaquin Tam. The Chief Executive is responsible for the following:
- Developing and implementing policies and strategies for the development of football in Hong Kong
- Ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and regulations
- Managing the day-to-day operations of the HKFA
- Representing the HKFA in local and international forums
Legislative Council
The Legislative Council is the legislative body of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It is responsible for enacting laws and overseeing the work of the government. The Legislative Council also has a role in the governance of the HKFA.
In 2020, the government criticized the HKFA’s governance, and it was decided that the association would appoint a new Chief Executive to strengthen its governance. The HKFA has since made efforts to improve its governance, including the establishment of a new governance structure and the appointment of a new Chief Executive.
The HKFA is committed to promoting good governance and transparency, and it has implemented a number of measures to ensure that its operations are conducted in an open and accountable manner. These measures include the establishment of an Audit Committee and the adoption of a Code of Conduct for its members.
In conclusion, the governance of the HKFA is overseen by a Chief Executive and the Legislative Council. The association is committed to promoting good governance and transparency and has implemented a number of measures to ensure that its operations are conducted in an open and accountable manner.
National Teams
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) is responsible for operating the Hong Kong national football team, which represents Hong Kong and competes in international football events. The national team has a long history, dating back to its first international match against South Korea in 1954.
Hong Kong National Football Team
The Hong Kong national football team, also known as the “Hong Kong Dragons,” has had a mixed record in international competitions. They have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but have had some success in regional tournaments such as the East Asian Cup and the AFC Asian Cup.
The team is currently coached by Mixu Paatelainen, a former Finnish international player and manager. The team’s captain is currently Leung Nok Hang, a midfielder who has played for several Hong Kong clubs.
The national team has a few notable players, including striker Yapp Hung Fai and defender Andy Russell. Yapp is the team’s all-time leading scorer and has been a consistent performer for both club and country. Russell, on the other hand, has been a stalwart in defence and has represented Hong Kong at both the senior and youth levels.
The team’s recent performances have been mixed, with some impressive wins against regional rivals such as Taiwan and Guam, but also some disappointing losses to lower-ranked teams. The team’s supporters are known for their passion and enthusiasm, and can often be seen waving flags and singing songs in support of the team.
Overall, the Hong Kong national football team is an important part of the country’s sporting culture and history. While they may not be among the world’s elite football nations, they continue to strive for success and represent Hong Kong with pride on the international stage.
| Name | Position | Caps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yapp Hung Fai | Forward | 60 | 25 |
| Andy Russell | Defender | 80 | 2 |
| Leung Nok Hang | Midfielder | 45 | 5 |
- The team is coached by Mixu Paatelainen and captained by Leung Nok Hang.
- Notable players include Yapp Hung Fai and Andy Russell.
- The team’s recent performances have been mixed, with some impressive wins and disappointing losses.
- The team’s supporters are known for their passion and enthusiasm.
Domestic Competitions
The Hong Kong Football Association organizes various domestic competitions for professional and amateur leagues. The competitions provide an opportunity for local football clubs to showcase their talent and compete for titles.
Premier League
The Hong Kong Premier League is the top-tier professional football league in Hong Kong. It consists of 10 teams, including Kitchee, one of the most successful football clubs in Hong Kong. The league operates on a system of promotion and relegation with the Hong Kong First Division League.
The Premier League season runs from September to May, with each team playing 18 matches. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion. The league also provides a platform for local players to showcase their skills and potentially attract the attention of international clubs.
Challenge Shield
The Hong Kong Football Association Challenge Shield is the oldest football competition in Hong Kong, dating back to 1898. The competition is open to all teams in the Hong Kong Premier League and the Hong Kong First Division League.
The Challenge Shield is a knockout tournament, with teams competing in a single-elimination format. The winner of the competition is awarded the Challenge Shield trophy.
In recent years, Kitchee has dominated the competition, winning the trophy five times in the past decade. The competition provides an opportunity for smaller clubs to compete against the top teams in Hong Kong and potentially upset the odds to win the trophy.
Overall, the domestic competitions organized by the Hong Kong Football Association provide an opportunity for local football clubs to compete against each other and showcase their talent. The Premier League and Challenge Shield are two of the most prestigious competitions in Hong Kong football, and winning either title is a significant achievement for any club.
International Competitions
The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) has participated in various international football competitions, including the World Cup and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) tournaments.
World Cup
Hong Kong has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. The team’s best performance was in the 1986 qualifying campaign, where they narrowly missed out on qualification after losing to China in the final match.
Asian Football Confederation
The HKFA is a member of the AFC and has participated in several AFC competitions, including the AFC Asian Cup and the AFC Champions League.
In the AFC Asian Cup, Hong Kong has participated six times, with their best performance being a quarter-final finish in the 1956 tournament.
In the AFC Champions League, Hong Kong teams have participated in the preliminary rounds, but have never advanced to the group stage.
The HKFA also hosts the Lunar New Year Cup, an annual invitational tournament featuring local and international teams. The tournament has been held since 1953 and is considered one of the oldest football competitions in Asia.
Overall, while Hong Kong has not achieved significant success in international football competitions, the HKFA continues to work towards developing the sport in the region and promoting football as a popular pastime.
Project Phoenix
Project Phoenix is an initiative by the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) to revitalize football in Hong Kong. The project aims to improve the quality of the sport in all aspects, including player development, coaching, facilities, and promotion.
Under Project Phoenix, the HKFA has implemented several initiatives to achieve its goals. These include:
- Changing Team Name: The HKFA has allowed teams to change their names to better reflect their identity and promote their brand. This initiative aims to increase the visibility of the teams and attract more fans to the sport.
- Membership Renewal: The HKFA has renewed its membership for the 2022-23 season. This initiative aims to ensure that the HKFA continues to provide quality services to its members and stakeholders.
- Develop and Deliver: The HKFA has adopted the “Develop and Deliver” approach to promote football in Hong Kong. This initiative aims to develop and nurture young talent and deliver quality football programs to the community.
Project Phoenix has been successful in achieving its goals. The HKFA has seen an increase in the number of registered players and teams in Hong Kong. The project has also attracted more fans to the sport, with attendance at football matches increasing significantly.
Overall, Project Phoenix has been a positive step towards revitalizing football in Hong Kong. The HKFA continues to implement initiatives to improve the quality of the sport and promote it to the wider community.
Conclusion
The Hong Kong Football Association is the governing body of association football in Hong Kong. It was established in 1914 and has since been responsible for organizing various football competitions and events in the region.
Through its efforts, the HKFA has helped to promote football in Hong Kong and has contributed to the development of local players and teams. The association has also worked to create a more inclusive and diverse football community in Hong Kong, offering programs and initiatives that cater to players of all ages, genders, and skill levels.
Overall, the HKFA has played an important role in shaping the football landscape in Hong Kong. Its commitment to promoting the sport and supporting local players and teams has made it a key player in the football community in the region.
As the HKFA continues to evolve and grow, it will undoubtedly face new challenges and opportunities. However, with its strong leadership and dedicated team, the association is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact on the sport of football in Hong Kong for years to come.
