The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

Fernando Torres is our money-maker: Lunar New Year Cup organisers bank on Spanish star

Torres’ J-League club Sagan Tosu, Auckland City, Shandong Luneng and a Hong Kong League XI form line-up for holiday tournament

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Fernando Torres will return to Hong Kong to compete in the Lunar New Year Cup with his J.League side Sagan Tosu. Photo: Sam Tsang

Published: 5:45pm, 11 Jan 2019Updated: 5:12pm, 17 Jan 2019

Lunar New Year Cup organisers are confident of avoiding red numbers this year with a playing format of three overseas teams and the presence of former Spanish international Fernando Torres.

Once the biggest event on the Hong Kong sporting calendar, the tournament has cost the Hong Kong Football Association and individual clubs millions in recent years, with fans losing interest because of a lack of star power.

Last year, the tournament was reduced to a one-day affair between two local sides – a second string Hong Kong representative team and a League XI with a turnout of just 4,200 fans at Mong Kok Stadium.

Fernando Torres has appeared in Hong Kong before with Liverpool and Chelsea. Photo: AFP

But a source has confirmed there will be three overseas teams this year, including J-League club Sagan Tosu, featuring Torres, Auckland City of New Zealand and Shandong Luneng, who finished third in the Chinese Super League last season. The hosts will be represented by a League XI, with Pegasus players forming the backbone.

“Torres is a marquee player and we have requested his presence in Hong Kong as he can definitely help gate receipts,” said the source who works closely with the organisers.

“There will be four teams this year and we will play the tournament at Hong Kong Stadium with two match days, the first and third days of the Lunar New Year. Both are public holidays and hopefully that can also help the attendance.