HK women's footballer criticizes FA after training pitch reassigned for Ronaldo's Al-Nassr

A Dutch defender for Kitchee's women's team has accused local football authorities of favoring Cristiano Ronaldo's club over their Asian Champions League preparations after their booked training pitch was unexpectedly reallocated to Al-Nassr.  

The dispute emerged when Danielle Vos shared Ronaldo's Instagram post from his training session at the Jockey Club HKFA Football Training Centre, where the football superstar was preparing for the Saudi Super Cup. 

Alongside the repost, the defender expressed her frustration with the caption "Shameful, once again."  

Questioning priorities

Vos explained that her team had reserved natural grass pitches for the entire week to prepare for their crucial AFC Women's Club Championship qualifier in Cambodia on August 28.

However, the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) reportedly canceled their Friday booking, citing Al-Nassr's need to use the facility.  

The 25-year-old reportedly questioned whether the last-minute change reflected poor planning or a lack of support for women's football. 

She also raised concerns about unequal treatment, asking whether Al-Nassr had been asked to adjust their training schedule to 9.30pm, as her team had been.

In her post, Vos reportedly expressed disillusionment, wondering why she still cared so deeply about the sport given such setbacks. 

She also highlighted the discouraging message this sends to young girls aspiring to play football in Hong Kong.  

Disrupted preparations ahead of key matches

Kitchee, whose usual training ground has an artificial surface, had specifically sought natural grass pitches to replicate the conditions they will face in Cambodia. 

Media reports indicated that while the HKFA proposed two alternative arrangements, neither met the team's requirements.  

As a result, the club will now conduct their final preparations at their regular training center before their upcoming qualifiers against Phnom Penh Crown Women's Football Club and India's East Bengal FC.  

Vos, who joined Kitchee in 2023 after recovering from two knee surgeries, had previously led the team in last year's unsuccessful Champions League qualifying campaign. This year, she and her teammates are determined to secure a breakthrough.  

The HKFA has not yet responded to media inquiries regarding the scheduling conflict.