More than 30,000 spectators at Kai Tak Stadium expressed their dissatisfaction with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during Hong Kong’s 2-0 victory over Cambodia in the final of the inaugural FIFA ASEAN Challenge Cup on Wednesday evening. The home side secured the title with goals from Matt Orr and Everton Camargo, avenging an earlier defeat to the same opponent.
Infantino received loud boos from the crowd when he appeared on the pitch alongside Football Association of Hong Kong (HKFA) president Pui Kwan-kay to present the trophy before kickoff. After the match, as he returned to award the prize, stadium officials increased the public address volume in an apparent effort to drown out continued jeers. Supporters chanted phrases such as “FIFA mafia” and displayed critical banners directed at the governing body of world football.
Hong Kong’s head coach, Roberto Losada, declined to comment on Infantino’s potential fourth term as FIFA president amid controversies surrounding the organization, including recent reports of attempts to privatize World Cup rights. “It’s not my job to say that; I have enough with my job,” Losada said. He praised the fans for their vocal support, describing them as a “12th player” who energized the team during challenging moments.
Earlier in the day, Infantino participated in children’s coaching clinics at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre alongside Pui Kwan-kay and HKFA chairman Eric Fok Kai-shan. FIFA ambassadors Dimitar Berbatov and Pedro, former players for Manchester United and Barcelona respectively, were also present. Infantino posted images from the event on social media, emphasizing the importance of grassroots football and the empowerment of young players.
During the final, Hong Kong demonstrated dominance through their work rate and defensive organization, limiting Cambodia’s attacking threats. Goals came from Orr, who capitalized on a precise cross from Sun Ming-him just before halftime, and Camargo, who converted a penalty in the 58th minute following a video assistant referee (VAR) review. The penalty was awarded after Chan Siu-kwan was fouled within the penalty area while attempting to reach a cross.
Cambodia’s head coach, Koji Gyotoku, fielded his strongest lineup after earlier rotating his squad and acknowledged the loss while praising the match atmosphere. There were few clear opportunities for the visitors, with goalkeeper Keo Soksela rarely tested. Cambodia players Andres Nieto and Sieng Chanthea were booked for fouls and gamesmanship during the match.
Losada lauded Hong Kong’s performance throughout the tournament, highlighting progress amid ongoing changes within the team. “We’ve proved we have the tools,” he said, adding that there is still room for improvement to secure the future of Hong Kong football. When asked about forthcoming plans, Losada refrained from providing details, noting that training and preparations would resume immediately following the celebrations.
The tournament marked a significant achievement for Hong Kong football, coming just months after Losada’s appointment as head coach. The team now looks ahead to future fixtures, while FIFA President Infantino continues his campaign for re-election ahead of the March presidential vote, with his next scheduled appearance at the ASEAN Cup final in Indonesia.