The Leisure & Cultural Services Department has ruled out the use of Hong Kong Stadium for the November 17 World Cup qualifier match between Hong Kong and China.
It told the Hong Kong Football Association today that in view of the turf condition and the Olympic Rugby Sevens Qualifier Tournament set for November 7 and 8, the stadium will not be ready for the qualifier.
The department expects considerable damage to the new turf after rugby event. Turf experts said a world-class standard pitch in time for the qualifier cannot be assured.
The association will instead hold the qualifier at Mong Kok Stadium.
