HKFA pulls women’s squad from Dubai tournament amid regional tensions

Hong Kong’s women’s football representative team has withdrawn from the Pink Ladies Cup 2026 in Dubai, with the Hong Kong Football Association stating that the safety of players and staff is its top priority amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The team traveled to the United Arab Emirates on February 25 to compete in the tournament and completed a match against Ghana last Saturday. They were scheduled to face Tanzania and Russia on Wednesday and March 6 respectively.

However, as regional tensions intensified — including retaliatory airstrikes by Iran targeting U.S. military bases that have affected Dubai — concerns grew over the safety of the squad.

In a statement issued today, the association said it has formally written to the organisers of the Pink Ladies Cup 2026 that “the Hong Kong, China Women’s Representative Team will withdraw from the tournament and will not participate in the remaining matches, with the safety of staff and players as the top priority.”

The association added that “The team has now ceased all outdoor activities and is staying within their hotel in Dubai to ensure personal safety.”

It also said it “will continue to maintain close communication with the team, monitor the latest local developments and team needs in real time, and make appropriate arrangements for the team in response to evolving.”

Dubai International Airport has resumed limited flight operations starting Monday, after earlier disruptions.

The association said it would continue to assess developments and make suitable arrangements for the team accordingly.