Organisers hope to secure Ecuador club for Lunar New Year tournament
Citizen chairman says a big-name team is a big draw for ticket sales
Organisers of the Lunar New Year tournament are in a last-ditch effort to secure a club team from the 2014 World Cup finalists Ecuador, but their chances look slim.
J-League side FC Tokyo and Krylya Sovetov Samara of Russia's Premier League had been confirmed for the January 31 and February 3 soccer tournament at Hong Kong Stadium, said organisers First Division club Citizen, while Portuguese Super League side Sporting Clube Olhanense are on the standby list.
"Our major sponsor has a very good relationship with the South American state and wants to get a team from there," said Citizen chairman Pui Kwan-kay on Monday.
Even if we can't find a team in the end, as time is running out, we may secure some top Ecuadorians to come to Hong Kong as guest players for Citizen
"After all, Ecuador are one of the major soccer powers in South America as they have qualified for the World Cup finals in Brazil next year, and the skills of the South Americans are always a big draw for ticket sales."
El Nacional, who have won 13 Serie A national championships in Ecuador, had been top of the picks, but recently turned down the invitation and organisers are in talks with a number of leading clubs in Ecuador.
"Even if we can't find a team in the end, as time is running out, we may secure some top Ecuadorians to come to Hong Kong as guest players for Citizen," said Pui. "We will make a decision very soon, as the Portuguese side will also need to confirm their participation."
Krylya Sovetov Samara are 10th in the Russian Premier League, while FC Tokyo finished eighth in the 2013 J-League and are preparing for the 2014 season.
