Tai Po Dream Catchers? Football club to change name as protesters call truce
Francis Yip, who bankrolls Tai Po alongside wife Catherine, said on Sunday he had lodged an application with the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA) to change the name, and anticipated beginning next season under the new banner.
Fans vehemently protested against the move during the victory over North District on January 18. On Sunday, however, they showed no ill-feeling towards the owners, even as Tai Po's title hopes were dealt a setback by a 2-1 home loss to Kitchee. A prominent fans' group, 12th Green Warriors, had called for a truce on Saturday.
Yip said he wanted the club to have 'a more suitable name, [which reflects] helping youngsters chase their dreams'. Tai Po's Pang Yam-pung (right) vies with Newcastle's Alfie Harrison in last May's Soccer Sevens. Photo: Yik Yeung-man
'Now they know our reasons, the supporters understand,' he said. 'They know they should support the players; we have to oppose our opponents, not ourselves. We think this will make the club more attractive overall. It is not a commercial move.'
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