On 1st January, Hong Kong achieved a momentous victory over China in a football match, marking their first win in nearly three decades. The official result of the pre-Asian Cup warm-up game was Hong Kong, China 2-1 China. This triumph, however, has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics between Hong Kong and China, particularly within the realm of football.
The decision to change the name of the Hong Kong football team in 2023 reflects the increasing influence of Beijing over the territory. Speculation abounds that the days of an independent football scene in Hong Kong are numbered, with some experts predicting that the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) will eventually cease to exist as an independent member of Fifa.
Hong Kong’s recent victory over China is a significant development, although not their most notable achievement in the history of football. The most memorable triumph took place in May 1985, when Hong Kong secured a 2-1 win in World Cup qualifying, stunning 80,000 fans at the Beijing Workers’ Stadium.
The clash between Hong Kong’s liberal democratic history and China’s authoritarian traditions has become increasingly evident in the realm of football. As Beijing’s control over Hong Kong tightened, football matches became one of the few avenues for local residents to express their sentiments.
The significance of football as a platform for expressing dissent was evident during the 2014 Umbrella Movement, a series of pro-democratic protests in Hong Kong. Subsequently, during a 2015 World Cup qualifier match against China, some home fans booed their own anthem, The March of the Volunteers, and displayed signs proclaiming “Hong Kong is not China”. This gesture resulted in a fine from Fifa.
Despite efforts by the Hong Kong government to criminalise disrespect to the anthem, the national anthem was again booed during a home game in September 2022. Additionally, sporting associations in Hong Kong were instructed to add “China” to their names or face the risk of losing funding.
The HKFA has been attempting to strike a delicate balance between accommodating China’s requests while maintaining a separate identity. The association has been exploring the possibility of Hong Kong’s best clubs competing against Chinese opposition, with the aim of driving up standards and revenues.
China’s influence on Hong Kong’s football scene presents a dilemma for the HKFA. While the association holds a vote inside the Asian Football Confederation and Fifa, its existence is at odds with China’s centralized system of control.
The recent changes in the names of national sports associations in Hong Kong, symbolically adding “China”, may not necessarily indicate imminent major transformations. However, for some experts, this change symbolises a step towards assimilation.
Ultimately, the future of football in Hong Kong appears to be intertwined with the delicate balance between independence and unity with China. As Hong Kong navigates this complex interplay, it will be imperative for the football community to depoliticise itself and establish a set of values that promote neutrality and cooperation.