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Singapore loses out on EPL Asia Trophy tourney

SINGAPORE — Despite a successful staging here in 2015 that saw a record turnout of 82,000 fans, the English Premier League’s Asia Trophy will not be returning to the National Stadium for its eighth edition this year.

Singapore Select XI striker Khairul Amri (in red) trying to get the better of Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy when the two sides met at the 2015 Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore. TODAY FILE PHOTO

Singapore Select XI striker Khairul Amri (in red) trying to get the better of Arsenal's Mathieu Debuchy when the two sides met at the 2015 Barclays Asia Trophy in Singapore. TODAY FILE PHOTO

SINGAPORE —  Despite a successful staging here in 2015 that saw a record turnout of 82,000 fans, the English Premier League’s Asia Trophy will not be returning to the National Stadium for its eighth edition this year.

Instead, the biennial tournament - which featured English Premier League (EPL) teams Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City two years ago - will be moving to Hong Kong and Shanghai, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP). Details of the two-leg tour on July 20 and 22 are still being finalised, the Hong Kong English-language daily said.

Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) chief executive Mark Sutcliffe said they were close to reaching a deal with the Premier League.

“Extensive discussions have taken place between the Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) and the EPL over the last few months and an agreement in principle has been reached,” he told SCMP. 

“Final arrangements can’t be confirmed yet because the EPL is also in discussion with the mainland authorities regarding one of the match days being held in China."

The SCMP reported however that Liverpool, a club with a huge fan following in Singapore, will headline the Asia Trophy in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The Reds will be joined by Southampton, Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG and another EPL club.

This will be the fourth time that Hong Kong is hosting the Asia Trophy. The Special Administrative Region held the event in 2007, 2011 and 2013, with the last edition causing some embarrassment for the hosts after the Hong Kong Stadium's rained-soaked pitch came under fire from team managers.

The Premier League's decision to move the popular Asia Trophy to Hong Kong comes about despite Premier League executive chairman Richard Scudamore hailing the 2015 event in Singapore as the "best ever"

"We saw the best of the Premier League in the commitment of Arsenal, Everton and Stoke City. I know they were blown away by the reception that they received from fans and the people of the Lion City. Singapore has helped us put on our best ever Barclays Asia Trophy and given us every reason to seriously consider returning in the near future," Scudamore said at the end of the 2015 edition.

The match between Arsenal and Everton at the National Stadium drew 52,100 fans, which was the biggest single match-day attendance in the history of the tournament, and eclipsed the previous record of 49,700 in Bangkok, while the total attendance of 82,000 over the two match days is the largest to date, beating Hong Kong’s attendance of 76,300 in 2007.

According to the SCMP, the Premier League is reportedly keen on expanding its brand in China, which last hosted the Asia Trophy in Beijing in 2009.

Backed by Chinese president Xi Jinping's ambition to turn the country into a football power, the sport, and particularly, the Chinese Super League, has become a hot topic in China and worldwide in recent years.

This was triggered by a string of record-breaking transfer deals signed by clubs for football superstars such as Oscar (Chelsea) and former Manchester United player Carlos Tevez.

Responding to TODAY's queries, Singapore Sports Hub's Senior Director, Corporate Communications and Stakeholder Management, Mr Chin Sau Ho, said: "The Singapore Sports Hub hosted a very successful Barclays Asia Trophy in 2015, and we are honoured by the kind words from the Premier League’s Executive Chairman about the tournament held at the National Stadium then.

"We would be delighted to host the tournament again, should the opportunity arise.

"In the first half of 2017, we already have a busy calendar hosting the Singapore Community Shield, Super Rugby matches featuring our adopted home team, the Sunwolves, the HSBC Singapore Sevens as well as the concerts by Coldplay and others."

While the loss of the Asia Trophy to Hong Kong will be a blow to the S$1.33 billion Sports Hub, the consortium is currently in negotiations to bring the International Champions Cup (ICC) to Singapore to fill the gap.

TODAY reported earlier this month that various parties are in talks to bring the premier club exhibition football tournament to the 55,000-seater National Stadium in mid-2017.

The ICC's roster for last year included top European club sides Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and Barcelona.

While the parties have not signed on the dotted line, TODAY understands that a deal is close to being confirmed.

"We are in constant contact with event owners and promoters internationally, to present more quality events that add to the vibrancy of the Sports Hub as well as the sporting and lifestyle scene in Singapore," said Mr Chin.

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