Six Month Progress Report 半年工作進程報告

Six Month Progress Report

I have been in post now for just over six months and so this Blog reflects on what has been achieved so far and identifies priority actions for the next few months.  

Organisational Development – Human Resources

In the last six months the staffing compliment of the HKFA has been significantly increased thanks largely to the Project Phoenix funding allocated by HAB. Some key appointments include:

·         Coach Education Manager

·         Women’s Football Manager

·         Grassroots Football Manager

·         Referees Manager

·         Futsal Manager

·         Head of Corporate Governance

·         Head of Marketing and Communications

·         Assistant Manager – Marketing & Communications

The Head of Corporate Governance started with the HKFA on 20^th February and is already having a significant impact. The Marketing Team is now at full strength with one incumbent confirmed in post and one additional vacancy filled. There has been a notable increase in marketing and promotional activity.

The HKFA Man Power Plan was submitted and approved by the Football Task Force in March. As a result three new positions including a Representative Teams Manager, have been advertised and are being recruited as we speak.

The Organisational and Development Committee (ODC) is overseeing a harmonization programme which aims to reduce the real and perceived differences between the HKFA employees not covered by the HAB funded Project Phoenix and those employed with the subvention. A series of staff seminars is taking place to introduce the process and timescale to staff to ensure their continued motivation and commitment.

The ODC is also overseeing a review of the HKFA’s internal systems, procedures and protocols with a view to ensuring that they comply with best practice and that they are as administratively efficient as possible. 

Representative Team(s)

The Acting Head Coach continues to perform his duties diligently and effectively. The away draw in Malaysia and the good showing in the EAFF Cup 2013 were built upon by an excellent 0-0 draw away in Uzbekistan. This performance was at least matched in an exciting home 1-0 win over higher ranked Vietnam. This match was played in front of a capacity crowd at the Mong Kok stadium.

The players received their new bonus payment based on HK$10 per FIFA World Ranking points.  This new system has been well-received by all parties.

The HKFA is attempting to arrange friendly matches as part of the preparations for the competitive Asian Cup qualifiers in the Autumn. Hopefully these will take place on FIFA International Match days in June, September and October.

New Professional League

Progress is still being made on the ‘journey’ to a new Premier League in Hong Kong. The HKFA Head of Competitions attended a recent AFC Seminar on the revised criteria for entry into the AFC Champions League (the criteria set as the target for the new HKFA League). The proposals for the new league have been revised based on the new AFC approach.

The General Secretary is preparing a new set of Rules for the new league and these will be presented in draft form at the next Premier League Working Party meeting. In the light of recent developments internationally regarding match-manipulation, this issue is taking greater prominence. Discussions remain on-going regarding the sponsorship and funding for the league with commercial sponsors. This is seen as key to the success of the venture.  

Hong Kong Football Training Centre

A Concept and Business Plan has been prepared which has received the endorsement of the HKFA Board, the Football Task Force and the HKJC. Significant progress has been made and we hope that an announcement on the timescale for development will be made soon.

LCSD Subvention Application

A number of meetings have been held with LCSD over the recent months and the discussions have been forward looking and positive. As a result of this growing partnership and the additional confidence that the Government has in the HKFA, the LCSD has just awarded the HKFA a 41.6% increase in subvention funding (as compared to the last year). This level of increase will enable the HKFA Technical Department to increase the number of activities and programmes particularly at the grassroots level.

FIFA ‘Goal’ Project and Performance Project

On 18^th March FIFA agreed to provide additional funding of USD500,000 towards the phase 2 renovation of the HKFA premises. The renovation work will start soon and is estimated to take 6 months. Concurrent with this, funding of USD100,000 is also being discussed for various initiatives following a recent FIFA Performance Review. This additional money will be used for new systems and procedures to streamline the operation of the HKFA and to improve efficiency. 

Recent Events and Activities

The HKJC supported youth invitational tournament was played at the Po Kong Village Park Road Pitch between 18^th and 20^th February. The Hong Kong U-13 team played against teams from Singapore, Thailand and Guangzhou whilst the U-18 team played against teams from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The players gained good experience from this event.

The U-20 HK team recently participated in the 12^th National Games of China.

Funding support was generously given by the HKJC for the AFC U-14 2014 Championships which took place in Hong Kong between the 11^th and 17^th April.

The newly appointed Futsal Manager is making good progress in preparing for the Asian Indoor Games due to take place in Incheon, Korea in June. Preliminary squads have been chosen for both Men’s and Women’s teams.

The Coach Education Programme is up and running with massive demands for the new Youth Leader level 1 and 2 courses. Furthermore, different levels of AFC and FIFA coaching courses are also being organized. For existing HKFA registered coaches, an online library is being established and seminars will also be held to reinforce their knowledge.

Preparations continue in relation to the BAT 2013 tournament involving South China, Manchester City, Tottenham Hotspurs and Sunderland. Discussions are now on-going between the HKFA, the Premier League and the British Council regarding the use of the US$100k ‘Good Causes’ fund and in particular how the expertise of the EPL coaches and referees can be used to good effect.

The AFC Technical Director visited Hong Kong between 8^th and 10^th April to review the new Football Development Plan and the new Coach Education Programme which are being developed.

The CEO, Acting Head Coach and Technical Director continue to be in discussion with the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the University of Hong Kong and the Medical Profession regarding an integrated Player Welfare system given the working title of ‘Testing, Training and Caring’.  The purpose of this initiative is to develop a more scientific approach to the development of footballers.  The programme will include a longitudinal study of physiological testing to establish benchmarks for fitness levels at each age group, the development of a customized athlete training, conditioning and lifestyle plan and agreed levels of care for injury detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

Summary of the Last Six Months

As some of you may know, I have done a bit of sailing and to use a nautical analogy, the past six months has been ‘all hands on deck’. The ship has been steadied, leaks have been plugged and good headway is now being made. Indeed considerable improvements are apparent both on and off the football pitch.

We have laid some important foundations. For example, the staff compliment is almost full now and the work of implementing Project Phoenix can really start in earnest.

The relationship with stakeholders has improved especially with the fans, the media, the Government, the Football Task Force, the Jockey Club, sponsors etc. Feedback is positive and can only improve with a further period of consolidation and the delivery of some outcomes and targets.

There have been significant improvements in the marketing and promotion of the HKFA, its activities and programmes.

Progress is also being made in relation to the large scale projects that are fundamental to Project Phoenix. In particular the HK Football Training Centre concept and business plan has now been accepted by stakeholders as the basis of a plan that can be supported. The proposal for a new league is coming to fruition but the main issue there will be generating sufficient funding to make it substantially different to the existing league.

Additional funding has been levered in most notably from FIFA, LCSD and the Football Task Force. However the financial sustainability of the HKFA remains a priority task. The implementation of Project Phoenix requires significant additional expenditure. Receiving funding for staffing from HAB is important but they need budgets to work with. Finding sponsorship remains a priority action and some of the promising leads need to be converted into agreed sponsorship packages.

   

In conclusion, I am content with the progress made over the last six months. However, now is not the time to be complacent and I know that considerable further effort will be required if the foundations are to be built upon.

In particular, the next few months will be critical in terms of preparing a realistic budget for the FA, in delivering the major projects including preparations for the new Premier League, the development of the national training centre, the adoption of a new football development plan and a five-year strategy for the HKFA. In addition there are still new staff to recruit and induct, an internal systems and procedures review to undertake and a whole new set of constitutional documents to prepare.  This is in addition to the day to day work of the HKFA such as delivering its development programmes, coach education, competitions management etc.

The future success of the HKFA depends on everyone working together in a positive spirit of cooperation.

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半年工作進程報告

我寫下這篇文章的目的，是回顧過去半年內在Blog內所提及的事情的成果，以及在未來數月內各項目的優先處理工作。

組織架構的發展 — 人力資源

過去六個月內，首先感謝由民政事務局資助下的「鳳凰計劃」，讓香港足球總會得以作出各項重要的人事招募安排，當中包括：

·         教練培訓經理；

·         女子足球經理；

·         草根足球經理；

·         裁判經理；

·         五人足球經理；

·         機構管治總監；

·         市場推廣及傳訊總監；

·         市場推廣及傳訊助理經理

機構管治總監於本年二月二十日開始履新並已帶來顯著的改變，市場推廣及傳訊部的團隊亦已宣告組班完成，市場推廣及傳訊總監將聯同一個現任及一個新聘職位，將會為本會籌辦更多市場及推廣活動

本會的人力資源計劃已於三月時呈交予足球專責小組並獲得審批。如我們早前提及，將新增三個職位，包括香港代表隊經理，並已刊登招聘廣告及進行招募中。

組織及發展委員會現正督導本會檢視現時員工，包括「鳳凰計劃」下聘請的員工和舊有的合約員工，在薪酬制度及附帶僱傭條款上的安排，「目的是統一和協調相關的制度，以減低有關的差異。

一系列的員工會議正已進行，向本會同事簡介計劃細節及時間表並聽取意見，確保他們可積極和投入地工作。

同時，組織及發展委員會亦正推動本會審視內部制度、程序和規章，以確保相關行政管理政策有效地實施和執行。

香港代表隊

現任香港代表隊署理主教練用心辦事，堅守崗位，從作客逼和馬來西亞的友誼賽與及2013年東亞盃外圍賽的出色表現可見一斑，為其後0:0作客逼和烏茲別克的出色表現打下穩固的根基；港隊這股優良的表現，繼續於主場1:0擊敗排名較高的越南大放異彩，令當晚旺角大球場的氣氛熾熱高漲，座無虛席！

此外，球員的全新比賽獎金制度，與國際足總之系統計算出來的排名積分掛勾，即按國際足總之系統計算出來的每一個積分，參賽成員可獲頒港幣十元，新制度得到各界正面的評價。

另一方面，香港足球總會為港隊應付秋季舉行的亞洲盃外圍賽，將安排多場友誼賽，本會希望可於今年六月、九月及十月的國際足聯比賽日期間進行．

全新職業聯賽

本港全新的職業聯賽正在擬定計劃的「旅途」上，本會競賽部總監已出席最近亞洲足協舉行的講座(新聯賽的賽制將適用於亞協盃的參賽資格)，並根據亞洲足協的指示修訂新聯賽計劃書的內容。

本會總幹事已為新聯賽的章程大綱及細則進行預備工作，並將草擬文件於下一次舉行的聯賽工作會議上呈交，鑒於國際關注的非法操控賽事課題，本會將會於此重點落墨；此外，會議上亦會進行有關商業贊助新聯賽的討論，這將是新聯賽的成功關鍵所在！

      

香港足球訓練中心

已備妥的概念及商業計劃已獲得足總董事局、足球專責小組及香港賽馬會的鼎力支持，有關計劃的最新進度及時間表將會盡快對外公布。

康樂及文化事務署撥款

數月來與康文署舉行的聯席會議取得正面進展及加深夥伴關係，讓香港特區政府對本會增加信任，康文署對本會的撥款亦比去年提高了 41.6%(與去年比較)，以幫助本會技術部門為草根階層提供更多項目和活動。.

國際足聯“Goal”計劃及“Performance”計劃

三月十八日，國際足聯同意為香港足球總會大樓的第二期翻新工程增加五十萬美元的額外撥款，該項為期六個月的翻新工程將盡快展開；同時，因應國際足聯早前的表現評估而提出的各項倡議，其十萬美元的資助金額亦正商討中，這筆款項將會用於本會採用的新系統，以改善公司營運的效率。

最近活動

香港賽馬會支持的「國際青年邀請賽2013」，已於二月十八日至二十日在蒲崗村道公園足球場圓滿結束，香港十三歲代表隊與新加坡、泰國及廣州隊同場競技，而十八歲代表隊亦有幸與來自新加坡、馬來西亞及印度尼西亞的選手們相互比拼，港隊小將們透過是次比賽獲得難能可貴的經驗。

最近香港二十歲代表隊亦參加了在上海舉行的第「十二屆中華人民共和國運動會足球預賽」。

至於由香港賽馬會支持的「2014亞洲足協14歲以下錦標賽外圍賽」於四月十一日至十七日期間完美落幕。

最新聘請的五人足球經理將會全力備戰於六月南韓仁川舉行的亞洲室內運動會，並已決出初步的男子及女子代表隊的球員名單。

教練培訓課程已順利展開，而青年足球領袖(級別一)及(級別二) 課程報名亦反應熱烈。此外，不同級別的亞洲足協和國聯足聯認可的教練培訓課程亦已在籌辦中。同時，為顧及現時註冊足總教練的需要，本會已成立網上圖書館及舉辦不同主題講座，以輔助他們汲取知識。

本地甲組球隊南華將聯袂三支英超球隊包括曼城、托定咸熱刺和新特蘭，共同參加今年夏天於香港舉行的「巴克萊亞洲錦標賽2013」。香港足球總會、聯賽代表和英國大使館文化教育處就有關十萬美元的“Good Causes”基金用途展開討論，尤其是如何從英超球會教練及球證的專業知識中學習和借鏡。

亞洲足協技術總監在四月八日至十日期間曾到訪香港，並參與了本會全新足球發展計劃及教練培訓課程的審視工作。

本會行政總裁(本人)、香港代表隊署理主教練及技術總監將會繼續與香港中文大學、香港大學及醫學專家討論名為「測試、訓練及關顧」的一站式球員福利系統，目的是透過科學化來發展足球運動員，計劃包括心理測試縱向研究來設定每個年齡段的體能基準、發展個性化的運動訓練、體能和生活計劃，以及球員受傷後的關顧、照料和康復進程。

過去六個月的總結

或許你會了解，我個人喜歡以航海作比喻，在過去半年間一直「在甲板上幹活」，務求保持船身穩定、堵塞漏氣及讓船頭指向正確方向，正如賽場上下的可改進之處。

我們已經擁有一些重要的基礎，舉個例，對於「鳳凰計劃」得以如實執行，員工付出的實在功不可沒。

其次，香港足球總會與球迷、傳媒、政府、足球專責小組、香港賽馬會、贊助商等之間有著千絲萬縷的關係，而正面的回響是有助繼續加強鞏固及達至美滿的成果。在市場推廣上，本會將持之以恆地在組織活動上不遺餘力！

關於「鳳凰計劃」下的大型計劃之進度，尤其是香港足球訓練中心的概念及計劃已經得到廣泛團體的接受與支持，而全新的職業聯賽亦已經步入收成期，但要建基於充足的敗政支援才可以與目前的甲組聯賽有所區分。

大部分的額外撥款由國際足聯、康樂及文化事務署、足球專責小組共同承擔，維持本會的營運開支依舊是重中之重，「鳳凰計劃」的執行需要龐大的財政支出，而民政事務局的撥款亦需與預算配合，因此尋找合作夥伴是本會當務之急，部份更已開始進入傾談贊助合約的細節。

總結而言，上述是回顧過去半年內的一些工作進程，但現階段我們不會自滿，深明要建立穩固的根基，我們必須繼續努力付出所有。

未來數月的主要工作包括為各項目籌劃務實的預算，各項重要計劃（包括全新職業聯賽、香港足球訓練中心）的預備工作、新足球發展計劃及未來五年計劃的推行等。此外，亦在其他日常工作如籌劃發展活動、教練培訓及籌備比賽等以外，繼續一些新同事的招聘、內部制度和程序的檢視以至新的憲章文件的籌備等的工作。

香港足球總會的未來，實有賴每位人士的共同協力、以正能量注入動力，才會取得空前成功！

Coach Education 教練培訓課程

Coach Education

 ‘Practice doesn’t make perfect, perfect practice makes perfect’

This well-known quote sums things up ‘perfectly’. Quantity of training is not enough, it needs to be quality training too. That is where good coaching comes in. Project Phoenix is about developing talented players into world-class footballers. This cannot be achieved without knowledgeable, enthusiastic and effective coaches. Therefore Coach Education lies at the heart of Project Phoenix.

I have been privileged in recent weeks to attend some of our Coach Education programmes including the launch of our Level 1 and Level 2 courses and yesterday I was honoured to present Course Completion Certificates at our AFC ‘C’ Licence course. Training the trainers is fundamental to our future success and I made this point when talking to both groups.

Hong Kong football needs a National Football Curriculum which is designed to ensure a systematic, coordinated and progressive approach to player development from the grassroots all the way to elite footballers. We will define a playing style based on modern football best practice and identify the core skills, techniques, tactics, physical conditioning and mental attributes that are required to play that way. We will also detail how and when these requirements will be introduced to players throughout their development. For example at the grassroots level the emphasis will be on learning the core foundation skills and techniques in ‘small-sided games’ that are based on fun and enjoyment rather than on competition and results. As players mature they will be introduced to higher level techniques, tactics, teamwork etc in a more competitive environment. Pathways will be put in place to identify the most talented players who will then receive additional training and high-level competition where the best play against the best.

This more systematic and scientific approach will be reflected in the coach education syllabus so that all coaches understand the style of play and can tailor their coaching sessions to the delivery of this approach. ‘Model’ coaching sessions will be provided to coaches to enable them to run programmes that are relevant to each age group and ability level.

It will take time to implement these changes and a little longer still for the results to come to fruition. It will be worth it in the end because to conclude with another quote….’it’s not what the coach knows, it’s what the players have learnt’.

If anyone aspires to be a football coach to help inspire and train the footballers of tomorrow, then please visit our website to find out how you can get involved in coaching.     
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教練培訓課程

「訓練未必至臻完美，但完善的訓練必可達至完美。」

這句膾炙人口的名言道盡「完美」一詞，訓練量的多寡未必足夠，必須與訓練的質量相輔相承，因此優質的教練培訓基地總是門庭若市。「鳳凰計劃」是一套培訓具潛質球員達至世界級球星的完善計劃，但欠缺一位博學、熱心及有效率的名師指導，就難以一蹴而就，因此教練培訓課程可謂「鳳凰計劃」的命脈所在。

最近數周，本人有幸受邀出席我們舉辦的教練培訓課程，其中包括第一級別和第二級別的首個講座，前日我更有幸在AFC ‘C’ 級課程典禮上代表頒發畢業證書。培訓教練是我們未來成功的基石，這是我曾向在場人士所說的心底話。

香港球壇需要世界足球課程的輔助，即一套有系統、協調性及漸進式的訓練計劃，以幫助青年人逐漸成長為精英足球員，配合現代足球的流行訓練方式定義球隊的足球風格，而且個人技術、戰術、陣形部署、體能狀態以至精神面貌各方面得以全面提升，更可細緻設定球員在受訓期間的時限及項目要求。舉個例，草根球員主要集中訓練基礎技巧，並可以透過「小型足球」的遊戲方式享受箇中樂趣，而毋須追求競技結果。當球員不斷成長，他們要求的是講求高層次的技巧及團隊合作精神，其中有潛質的球員更會追加訓練量，以便角逐更高層次的競賽。

這套富系統化及科學化的方向已充分反映在教練培訓課程的大綱上，所有教練必須明白這些比賽風格以便制定一套最合適的培訓課程，而訓練模式的藍本亦會提供予各教練，以便讓教練為每個年齡組別及技術水平的球員制定一套適合的培訓課程。

改變並非一朝一夕，我們必須持之以恆，這絕對是值得的，正如以下總結：「我們並非著眼於教練認識多少，最重要的是球員可以從中學懂甚麼。」

如果任何人士希望從事足球教練一職，協助訓練本港的明日之星，請瀏覽香港足球總會網頁，查詢課程資料。

Oh, What a Night! 這一夜．永難忘！

Oh, What a Night!

I am delighted to be able to write a blog that celebrates the recent success of our senior men’s team. The away draw in Uzbekistan was a great result in itself, but I think, beating Vietnam at home is even more impressive. I know Uzbekistan is ranked considerably higher than Vietnam but there is always added pressure associated with playing at home (especially in front of a capacity crowd). The success in Uzbekistan only increased the expectation. The players reacted amazingly well, particularly in the second half. They were composed and disciplined throughout and it was, without doubt, the best I have seen them perform. No-one can begrudge them their extra bonus!

I must also pay tribute to the capacity crowd who undoubtedly helped to motivate the players with their incessant and passionate chanting. It was a cauldron of noise and I am sure the Vietnam team was intimidated. When the goal went in, the roar was probably heard in Hanoi! I must have broken the over 50’s high jump record myself!

There is a lot said and written about the ‘M’ word, (momentum) in sport. It is certainly true that good results create confidence and this in turn helps with performance. It is a virtuous circle. The converse is also true, if results are poor, confidence dips and the performance on the pitch suffers. We are on a positive trajectory at the moment and it is something we must build on. In many ways it is a shame that we have to wait until October for our next competitive match. However we will be supporting the team as much as possible and equipping them with the expertise and resources they need to continue their good run. This includes arranging some friendly matches on the FIFA International match days hopefully in June, August, September and October.

A lot of people helped to make last Friday night so memorable, the players, coaches, sponsors, fans, media, our own Competitions and Marketing Departments, Nike etc. Thank you to all of you. It reinforced my belief that football in Hong Kong has real potential. Together, we can make it happen.  

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這一夜．永難忘！

我在此衷心祝賀香港代表隊最近的出色表現，繼上月作客烏茲別客，在十人應戰的不利情況下迫和對手，上周五又在主場以一球擊退比自己排名高三十位的越南，令整個旺角大球場熱血沸騰，紅海飄揚！雖然烏茲別客的世界排名比越南高出甚多，但我認為港隊在主埸所承受的壓力(尤其是在座無虛席的觀眾面前)會高於上仗的作客比賽，因此今仗顯得更難應付。烏茲別客所獲取的寶貴一分，固然難能可貴，但今次港隊在主場球迷的吶喊聲中表現出色，尤其各球員在下半場更嚴格執行教練的戰術部署，最終在主場擊敗對手，實在值得贏取全場掌聲，亦是我首次遇見一支發揮得如此淋漓盡致的香港代表隊，對於他們贏得的額外獎金，絕對是實至名歸。

我亦對於當晚前來捧場的的現場球迷深存感激，沒有你們的搖旗吶喊，全場無間斷鼓動港隊士氣，相信我們會勝之不易，我亦深信憑著現場觀眾震耳欲聾的打氣聲，對客隊越南產生一定的震攝力，尤其港隊在完場前的絕殺入球，現場頓即響起一股響徹雲霄的歡呼聲，這股匯聚香港精神的喜悅之聲，或已傳達至遠在彼方的首都河內。而我本人的興奮一躍，或已打破了自己長久以來所保持的五十歲組別跳高紀錄！

坊間不時提及有關在運動上的「動力」，事實上優異成績能夠建立自信，並將之轉化為提升表現的動力，這是一個因果循環；反之，球隊成績每況愈下，自信心面臨崩潰，球場上的表現自然強差人意，現在，我們正處於正面的環境，更要把握機會建立源源不絕的動力。雖然港隊距離下仗比賽還有六個月的時間，但我們必須繼續支持他們，無論在知識層面以至資源分配方面都必須準備就緒，例如在六月、八月、九月及十月的國際比賽日期間安排一系列的友賽，以助他們時刻投入作戰狀態。

上周五蒞臨現場的觀眾為我們留下一個難忘的晚上，我在此感謝球員、教練、贊助商、球迷、傳媒、Nike，以及足總旗下的競賽部、市場推廣及傳訊部同事的參與和支持，我深信香港足球事業仍有一定的發展潛力，同時亦可於共同努力下成功實踐！

The Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game 華麗足球背後的陰暗面

The Ugly Side of the Beautiful Game

Perhaps the most shocking thing about the revelation (at the Interpol/AFC Conference on match-fixing) that ‘match-manipulation’ is now a world-wide pandemic organized by international crime syndicates, was that not one of the 150 delegates were actually shocked. That’s a terrible indictment and simply illustrates how far the ‘cancer’ has spread.

It sickens me that sport, for it is not just football that is sadly afflicted, has become a target for the cowardly cheating parasites who seek to gain illicit and quick fortunes from something that honest people hold dear. At the heart of sport and fundamental to its essence, is purity of competition. Without it, sport is utterly worthless. Millions of decent people spend millions of dollars of hard-earned money to watch sport in the belief that they are witnessing something true, clean and genuine. The people that seek to undermine that principle are beneath contempt. If I didn’t find them repugnant and morally bankrupt, I would actually pity them.

The Conference concluded that only a concerted, global and coordinated response will combat this plague. Depressingly it is also clear that total eradication will be difficult, particularly in Asia.

There are many well-publicised and high profile cases involving the discovery and subsequent punishment of players, coaches, officials and administrators including some in Hong Kong! This is simply dealing with the symptom and not the cause, because the main perpetrators, the ‘fixers’ are never brought to justice. They evade retribution and disappear only to raise their despicable faces somewhere else. This is because most Governments have no specific laws relating to match-manipulation. Furthermore it is often seen as a victimless crime, and due to the use of global technology the offence is difficult to detect, and usually committed outside the local jurisdiction.  

There is no room for complacency in Hong Kong, in fact quite the opposite. ‘Fixers’ often target ‘new’ Leagues and particularly in places where players, coaches and officials are seen as ‘vulnerable’ due to relatively low wage levels.

FIFA advocates a zero-tolerance approach and so must we. And not just in terms of the rhetoric we use. In my opinion, anyone found guilty of match-manipulation at any level must be severely sanctioned including life-time, world-wide bans from involvement in football. I will be making this recommendation as part of plans for the new Premier League. I will also be seeking the cooperation of the football community (clubs, players, officials etc) together with the Government, the ICAC, the Police and other stakeholders in upholding the integrity of football and stamping out the evil that threatens the game we love.

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華麗足球背後的陰暗面

由國際刑警組織(InterPol)舉辦及亞洲足協(AFC)支持、來自150個代表團出席的國際會議上，逐步揭露了現今球壇醜惡的一面，不少非法分子背後操控的賽事比數如致癌病毒般擴散，掀起一場又一場震撼人心的黑幕，情況令人痛心疾首。

這種如飽受病毒感染的運動，不但影響了足球事業的健康發展，同時亦助長不法分子憑藉欺騙行為來傷透廣大球迷的心靈，以非法手段賺取豐厚利潤。在公平競技原則下，幕後操控的賽事即變得一文不值。全球數以億計的球迷以自己辛苦賺來的血汗錢去觀賞球賽，無非希望球會雙方都以真誠純潔的比賽態度，為廣大球迷奉獻一場高水準比賽；相反，大家觀賞的只是一場黑箱作業的球賽，若球迷沒有流露出反感和抗拒，我會為他們感到悲哀。

在會議上得出的結論是：全球只有一致性地通力合作，才可打擊這場「瘟疫」，但要將這種「惡菌」連根拔起卻近乎無望，尤其發生在亞洲地區中。

過去一些廣受傳媒報道的案例，當中包括不少球星、教練、官方人員或球圈人士牽涉其中，當中更有一些案例於本港發生!部分判刑雖可帶來震懾作用，但真正的幕後黑手卻成功逃避司法制裁，全因大部分國家目前沒有相關的「非法操控比賽」監管法例，從而令不法分子消遙法外；加上在無遠弗屆的網絡技術配合下，警方打擊跨國犯罪更加舉步維艱，讓新興罪犯視它為一種唯利可圖的捷徑。

表面看似香港這個彈丸之地「無利可圖」，但情況卻恰恰相反，幕後黑手或以「新興」聯賽來尋求下手目標，在收入相對較低的情況下，部分球員、教練以至相關職員可能抵受不住誘惑而以身犯險，從事非法活動。國際足聯 (FIFA)倡議的零容忍政策，同樣適用於本港球圈人士的身上。我建議任何人不論牽涉多少的非法利益，但凡從事「非法操控比賽」的行為，一經判罪，除了必須受到法律制裁外，亦建議讓他們終身禁賽、全球禁賽或永久禁止踏入球圈半步。我已將這動議納入新聯賽的計劃中，同時將與本港球壇通力合作(包括球會、球員及相關人員等)，並與政府、廉政公署、警方和其他股東謀求共識，全力將球壇上的壞分子一網打盡！

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ASIAN CONFERENCE ON INTEGRITY IN SPORT
Outcome Statement

Kuala Lumpur, 21 February 2013

‘Match-fixing: The ugly side of the beautiful game’
An international conference for representatives from national Asian Football Associations and law enforcement

A two-day international conference focusing upon enhancing the prevention and investigation of match-fixing in football was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on 20 and 21 February 2013.

The conference was organized by INTERPOL within the framework of the INTERPOL-FIFA Training, Education and Prevention Initiative, with the active support of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC), the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and FIFA.

Some 170 delegates from more than 40 countries and 10 international organizations came together in Kuala Lumpur to discuss the threats posed to football by match-fixing and ways to further improve its prevention and investigation. Delegates included officials from international organizations including FIFA, AFC, FIFPro, SportAccord and INTERPOL, senior representatives from national football associations, players representatives, betting organizations and law enforcement.

During the conference, speakers looked at current and anticipated future trends in match-fixing, the impact development in betting markets are having, and the adverse influence organized crime has on football. In addition, ways of enhancing good governance in the football family, the importance of protecting players, and initiatives in training, education, prevention and investigation were highlighted.

The conference recognized the challenge posed by match-fixing in many countries in Asia. It noted with concern the involvement of organized crime and professional criminals in match-fixing and associated illegal activities, including irregular betting.

The conference also recognized that match-fixing is a global issue having a negative effect upon football, its participants and the general public who watch sport as an entertainment in the belief that it is a fair and honest game. Match-fixing is an ‘ugly side of the beautiful game’.

Delegates welcomed recent developments to tackle match-fixing in football, both internationally and nationally, and resolved to actively support the implementation of the INTERPOL training, education and prevention programme. Representatives from FIFA and AFC also underlined their zero-tolerance stands on match-fixing.

In addition, the importance of having internationally consistent legislation regarding ‘sporting fraud’ was identified. In this regard, delegates supported examining the development of the draft convention
on the manipulation of sports being prepared by the Council of Europe. Delegates also requested consideration of approaches to combat match-fixing at MINEPS V1 to be held in Berlin in May this year.
In order to tackle match-fixing more effectively, delegates supported:

 The need to continue building effective partnerships between all the stakeholders who can contribute to the development of effective procedures at international and national levels (including football associations, law enforcement, gambling regulatory authorities, betting companies, players and referees associations and government departments);

 The importance of establishing and using information-sharing mechanisms to identify what information is required, where it can be obtained, how it can be stored, analysed and disseminated in a timely way to enable the various stakeholders to use it effectively both to prevent and investigate match-fixing;

 The development of coordination procedures, especially at the national level, to ensure that the best decisions can be made about who should take forward activities in the area of prevention and investigation of match-fixing, including the identification of national points of contact within all agencies;

 The need to develop and implement a broad range of prevention activities through education, training and support to the various different participants in football (including players, officials and administrators), especially young players;

 The importance of being proactive in both the prevention and investigation of match-fixing and irregular betting associated with football, in order to minimize its adverse effects on the game, its participants and the public.

In conclusion, delegates thanked those involved in the organization of the event and the Malaysian authorities for hosting this valuable conference.

1 World Sport Ministers Conference, Berlin, 28-30 May 2013, organized by UNESCO in cooperation with German Ministry of Interior
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關於亞洲會議上討論運動的廉正氣節

會議成果

二零一三年二月二十一日．吉隆坡

「操控球賽：華麗足球背後的陰暗面」

亞洲足聯成員及法律代表在國際會議上討論球壇的廉正作風

二零一三年二月二十和二十一日，在吉隆坡舉行的國際會議上，各代表成員在為期兩天的會議中探討有關調查及打擊非法操控球賽的事宜。

會議由國際刑警組織(INTERPOL)主持，聯同INTERPOL-FIFA訓練、教育及防止團體，以及馬來西亞防止貪污組織(MACC)、亞洲足協(AFC)和國際足聯(FIFA)的支持下掀起序幕。

來自全球四十個國家、約一百七十個代表團及十個國際組織，在吉隆坡的會議上聚首一堂，共同研究和探討有關非法操控球賽帶來的威脅，以及尋求方案如何進一步調查和遏止罪案的蔓延。代表團包括FIFA、AFC、FIFPro、SportAccord和INTERPOL等國際組織的代表、某些國家足球聯會的高層代表、球員代表、賭博公司和法律顧問等。

會議期間，與會代表揭示現時及未來非法操控球賽的趨勢、在足球賭博市場的發展與及有組織罪行所帶來的影響。除此之外，加強整合球圈的管治、保護球員的重要性及各項有關訓練、教育、防止及調查的相關措置亦是討論之列。

在會議上提及，亞洲大部分國家均面臨非法操控球賽的嚴峻挑戰，指出有組織罪行和專業罪犯活躍於從事各項操控球賽和相關非法活動，例如外團投注等。

與會者亦意識非法操控球賽是一個國際討論焦點所在，為足球運動本身帶來不同種程度的負面影響，包括業界人士，以及掏錢購票入場觀看球賽的廣大球迷，他們希望欣賞一場專業公平的高水準球賽，因此在幕後黑手操控的比賽下，華麗足球亦變得醜陋無比。

各國代表團歡迎最近一系列打擊非法操控球賽的建議，並表態支持INTERPOL訓練、教育及防止項目，而來自FIFA和AFC代表亦堅決落實零容忍政策，進一步打擊非法操控球賽活動。

除此之外，有關立法監管「體育騙案」的重要性亦在會上提及，代表團表態支持由歐洲委員會(Council of Europe)草擬立例打擊非法操控球賽，同時與會代表亦考慮要求將這個議題在今年五月柏林舉行的MINEPS V1上進一步討論。

有關進一步有效打擊非法操控球賽，與會代表支持：

．迫切地為球壇上有影響力的股東們，持續建立一套有效的國際合作關係(包括足球聯會、法律顧問、受法例監管的賭博機構、博彩公司、球員、裁判團體及政府部門)；

．研究建立一套完善的資訊分享機制的重要性，包括那些資訊可以公開、從哪裡擷取，以及怎樣儲存、分析和刪減某些有特定時效的資訊，方便各股東們有效運用它們去調查和打擊非法操控球賽；

．謀求發展合作機制，尤其適用於國際層面上，以確保各地區之間在調查和打擊非法操控球賽上尋求共識，作出明智決定，包括釐清各國間的國際觀點；

．迫切地發展和落實一系列有關訓練、教育、防止及調查的相關措置，同時全力支持足球業界各層面人士(包括球員、球會和管理者)，尤其專注於年青球員上；

．為消弭非法操控球賽為業界和公眾帶來的負面影響，各國必須嚴厲打擊從事非法操控球賽和相關非法賭博活動的人士。

總括而言，與會代表十分感激今次主辦方和馬來西亞當局舉行是次會議，獲益匪淺。

1 由UNESCO主辦、德國內政部(German Ministry f Interior)協辦的World Sport Ministers Conference將於2013年5月28至30日在柏林舉行。