Michael Shum
Embattled Hong Kong Football Association chief executive officer Joaquin Tam Chau-long stepped down from his position after a controversial three years at the sport's governing body.
According to Tam, he tendered his resignation to HKFA during the morning on 22 May 2024 which was accepted by HKFA later that same day and his last date of employment with HKFA was 21 August 2024. During his CEO role with HKFA, Tam did not sue then HKFA board member Yvonne Tsang Wong Yuen-kee for criminal intimidation, but rather criminal proceedings were instituted by the HKSAR Government against Ms Wong. (Updated on Nov 26)
The HKFA said Tam submitted his resignation on Wednesday night and it was accepted by the board of directors with immediate effect.
"Tam's duties have been immediately taken over by deputy secretary general and head of refereeing Charles Cheung Yim-yau, who will assume the role until a suitable replacement is appointed," it said. "We would also like to sincerely thank Tam for his service in the past three years."
HKFA president Pui Kwan-kay said everyone has aspirations but admitted Tam had differences with the board.
Pui is confident that Tam's departure will not affect the association. "This is not the first time the football association experienced a personnel change in management. I believe the staff can keep the association running and Tam's departure will not have a serious impact," Pui said.
In an internal email sent to all staff, Tam said he was grateful for the chance to lead the association over the past three years, and that it was time for him to continue his own personal pursuits.
"Thank you everyone for their contribution and support towards the association and in making the association a better workplace, with better cohesion and full of fun and enjoyment," Tam said. "We have experienced extraordinary ups and downs, we can be proud of the recent unprecedented achievements of Hong Kong football. I am confident in the association's bright future."
Tam has drawn attention since day one of his appointment in May 2021 due to his lack of experience and knowledge in football and sports management, with his first day in office reportedly marred by the departure of a large number of senior executives.
He sued then HKFA board member Yvonne Tsang Wong Yuen-kee for criminal intimidation.
He in turn was sued by a former female head of the association's human resources department for alleged disability discrimination.
Tam also drew fire after the association made a mess of the Hong Kong Premier League's fixtures, with some teams even scheduled to play two matches on the same day. Amended fixtures were published just a week before the first match of the season.
michael.shum@singtaonewscorp.com
