Message from the President of the East Asian Football Federation

Welcome to Round 2 of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship!

Advancing from Round 1 held in Guam are the men’s champion Chinese Taipei and the women’s champion and local hosts, Guam, who overpowered the other teams. For Round 2 the venue will move to Hong Kong, and in the men’s tournament, Chinese Taipei will be joined by Guam, Hong Kong, and DPR Korea, while Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, Korea Republic, and Guam will take part in the women’s tournament. We can look forward to a high level competition among the teams who are eager to win a ticket to the Final Competition to be held in Japan in December 2017.

The final round of the AFC Preliminary Competition for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia is currently underway and three nations from East Asia – China, Japan, and Korea Republic – are competing in the long and fierce battle. The U-16 and U-19 age groups are also gearing up for next year’s world championships. From East Asia, DPR Korea and Japan have qualified for the FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 India, while Japan and Korea Republic will be playing in the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2017 Korea.

FIFA is increasing focus on the development of women’s football, and nations around the world are supporting and promoting FIFA’s efforts. The progress of women’s football in East Asia is especially impressive. In the U-17 and U-20 World Cup tournaments held this year, DPR Korea and Japan have made it to the U-17 quarterfinals. Meanwhile, DPR Korea, Japan, and Korea Republic will be competing for the world title at the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup to be held this November in Papua New Guinea. With many leading teams in women’s football, expectations are high for East Asian nations to win world titles in the various age group competitions.

It is apparent that the level of football in Asia, regardless of gender or age, is steadily increasing overall, and it is imperative that East Asian nations work together to stay on top of the game. East Asia shall also continue to contribute to the development of Asian football off the pitch through mutual understanding and friendship.

I extend my best wishes for the success of the EAFF E-1 Football Championship Round 2 and wish all the participating teams good luck. We hope you will all demonstrate the spirit of fair play and respect, and deliver hope and courage to the fans in your home countries.

Kohzo Tashima
President, East Asian Football Federation

Message from the CEO – Hong Kong Football Association

Warm greetings from Hong Kong!

On behalf of the Hong Kong Football Association and all friends of football in Hong Kong I am delighted to welcome you to the EAFF E-1 Football Championship 2017 Round 2 here in the vibrant and exciting Hong Kong. We are honoured and proud to host what promises to be a keenly fought competition in both the men’s and women’s competitions.

Teams from Hong Kong have been preparing thoroughly for what we know will be tough matches against well-drilled teams from Chinese Taipei, DRP Korea and Guam. Congratulations must go to Chinese Taipei and Guam for qualifying from Round 1 in the men’s and women’s competitions respectively. Only 1 team from both competitions will qualify for the prestigious Finals to be held in Japan in 2017 and this position will be coveted by all participating teams. The opportunity to play against some of the top teams in the World in the finals is an opportunity too good to miss. I would like to thank the EAFF for giving us the opportunity to host this event and assure them and all of the partners that we will do our best to make this event memorable and efficient. The standard of football and organization of the EAFF’s foremost competition has been steadily increasing; we aim to raise the bar even higher.

I would also like to praise and thank all of those in Hong Kong involved in making this event a success, from my colleagues at the HKFA, the venue operators, sponsors, the media and fans. We couldn’t do it without you.

Good luck to all of the teams. I am sure you will embrace the spirit of fair play and give your all to win. I look forward to meeting friends old and new and to watching some scintillating football. I sincerely welcome you and hope you have a great time in our inspiring City.

Mark Sutcliffe
CEO, Hong Kong Football Association