Hong Kong Football Fans Line Up to Buy 'Hong Kong Uniforms'
Opposition to 'Sinicization' of Sports Organizations' Names, Symbols, and Uniforms
Hong Kong football fans flocked to secure what could be the last 'Hong Kong uniform.' On the 23rd, a long queue of fans was witnessed at the stadium where the friendly match between the Hong Kong and Singapore men's football teams took place.
According to Hong Kong Free Press (HKFP) and others on the 26th (local time), an unusual scene appeared at Mong Kok Stadium, where the friendly match between the Hong Kong and Singapore men's football teams was held on the 23rd.
Fans lined up for a long time at the souvenir sales booth inside the stadium to purchase Hong Kong's last uniform, starting as early as 4 to 5 hours before the match began.
This match was the first friendly international game held after the Hong Kong government completely lifted COVID-19 restrictions in December last year, and Hong Kong fans gathered early on-site, eager to buy the uniforms.
The reason they rushed to secure the uniforms is due to a recent announcement by the Hong Kong Football Association. After holding its annual meeting on the 1st, the association decided to change its existing name to the "Chinese Hong Kong Football Association" by adding "China."
In particular, at the same time, the association announced that it would apply the same standard to the association's emblem and the Hong Kong football team's uniforms by engraving "China" on them.
This follows a notice from the Chinese Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee, which warned all sports organizations in Hong Kong that if they do not include "China" in their official names by July 1, they may no longer receive funding.
On the 23rd, Hong Kong fans cheering at the men's soccer friendly match between Hong Kong and Singapore national teams held at Mong Kok Stadium in Hong Kong. [Photo by AP·Yonhap News]
Accordingly, new uniforms bearing "Chinese Hong Kong" are expected to be introduced. Rumors have spread that the existing Hong Kong football team uniforms will only be sold until this month, leading to ongoing purchase inquiries through offline and online stores.
According to HKFP, local fans have shown negative attitudes toward the new uniforms and have been fervently trying to purchase what could be the last "Hong Kong" team uniforms.
However, the stock of uniforms prepared that day sold out in less than an hour after sales began, and among the excited local fans, disappointment and protests were reportedly expressed with loud voices.
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