The tension between Hong Kong and China spilled over into the world of football, as fans continued to voice their frustrations during international matches. According to Sutcliffe, not all those in attendance were football fans, but rather individuals using the platform to express their discontent.
Despite efforts by the Hong Kong SAR Government to crack down on the booing of the national anthem, the protests persisted. In 2020, a bill was passed criminalizing disrespect to the anthem, but even after its introduction, fans continued to show their defiance.
The situation escalated further when sporting associations in Hong Kong were instructed to add “China” to their names or risk losing funding. This move sparked a rush among football fans to purchase the last remaining shirts with the former Hong Kong logo before the change was made.
Sutcliffe, who was tasked with navigating the delicate balance between accommodating China’s demands and maintaining Hong Kong’s separate identity, emphasized the importance of not getting too close to avoid repercussions from Fifa.
The rise of the Chinese Super League in the early 2010s also played a role in reshaping relationships in Asian football. With Chinese clubs investing heavily in world-famous players and coaches, the league’s success briefly threatened to realign alliances in the region.
Despite the challenges and tensions, football in Hong Kong continued to thrive, with Guangzhou Evergrande’s success in the Asian Champions League serving as a testament to the growing standards and popularity of the sport in the region.
