In this respect, a local football association regularly accused of lacking expertise in marketing and promotion is performing down to expectations.

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) is searching for a new representative team head coach following the resignation of Jorn Andersen in May, soon after Joaquin Tam Chau-long was axed as CEO, a position that remains vacant.

This all paints a picture of an entity on life support. The situation has not reached those depths, but without meaningful change, Fok could find himself presiding over the last rites of Hong Kong football.

Players lament the amateurism of today’s watery product, with standards declining and a number of clubs training on the clock at public facilities.

With local talent scrambling to get to mainland China, and a number of those who make it struggling for game time, the stars are aligning for a Hong Kong team to join the Chinese Super League (CSL).

The concept of a “national team” entering a domestic structure is working in rugby, with Chile and Georgia among those profiting from their players gaining regular exposure to stern competition.

Hong Kong’s stock is relatively high across the border following January’s impressive Asian Cup finals campaign. This has led to mainland clubs’ renewed interest in players from the city and could be leveraged to persuade CSL power brokers of the benefit of welcoming a Hong Kong side.

The city’s players, in turn, would have a regular diet of quality opposition. Watching a Hong Kong team against mainland opponents would surely stir the passions of fans who have deserted the HKPL while still nailing their colours to the masts of Manchester United, Real Madrid and other European giants.

The new stadium at Kai Tak Sports Park would provide a fitting stage for home matches.

Last year, Fok made noises about a tie-in with the Chinese system. “I do believe that is our direction,” he said. “Everyone is looking at the China market and by having access … that will help Hong Kong football develop.”

Since being elected unopposed as chairman in June 2023, Fok has gone quiet on the subject.

There is red tape to lower before any move can happen, so the HKFA remains under pressure to improve its domestic scene.

The association’s actions under its Vision 2025 plan, established in 2020, is set for executive scrutiny. Answering a question from the Post about its investment in football, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau mentioned the government’s HK$24.2 million handout for 2023-24 and noted V2025 had committed to “developing high-performance football, nurturing young players, improving the performance of the Hong Kong teams and improving the HKPL”.

“The CSTB will continue to monitor the HKFA’s progress of implementation of the V2025 Plan,” it said.

That felt like a shot across the bows of an organisation whose inability to generate income is cushioned by government cash. Last week, John Lee Ka-chiu, the city’s leader, said the efficacy of Hong Kong sports bodies was being reviewed, given the “significant amount” of taxpayer money gifted to them.

Any HKPL rejuvenation won’t happen overnight. The stench of match-fixing, which revisited Hong Kong football last season, takes time to wash away.

A league format that increases games between leading teams, the axing of one cup competition, and an all-clubs-welcome FA Cup competition that mirrors those overseas, could elevate quality and provide variety.

Whatever the HKFA goes with, it needs to shout about it from the rooftops, while there is a chance people might still listen.