HKFA promises action on PFF complaint

The Hong Kong Football Association yesterday vowed to fully cooperate with the investigation that may be conducted by the International Football Federation (Fifa) in relation to the racial abuse complaint by the Philippine Football Federation.

The complaint stemmed from the  unruly behavior by hometown fans in the friendly match between the Philippines and Hong Kong at Mong Kok Stadium last June 4 where Filipino fans, mostly women and children, were allegedly called as coming from a nation of slaves.

The Filipino players were also pelted with debris after the game won by the Philippines, 1-0. The hostile behavior actually started before the match when boos rang out while the Philippine national anthem was being played.

“The HKFA would like to make it clear that it will participate willingly and diligently in any further investigation instigated by Fifa,” the HKFA statement said.

“Furthermore, it goes without saying that the HKFA will respect and comply with any ruling made by Fifa.”

The PFF complaint, which was forwarded to Fifa last Tuesday, noted that there may have been violations on security guidelines and regulations on discrimination during and after the match.

The HKFA has also submitted its own incident report to Fifa and also addressed inquiries from the Philippine Consulate in Hong Kong, “setting out its position in relation to the incident.”

“The HKFA as of the moment cannot divulge results of its own investigation,” the statement further read.

But the HKFA said it is taking steps to prevent a repeat of the incident “by preparing an Education Action Plan using the HKFA website to educate fans about racism and respect for others for every future match.”