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Jorn Andersen announced on Wednesday that he is standing down as head coach of the Hong Kong, China representative team with immediate effect.
The Norwegian, who was appointed in December 2021 and led the territory to the finals of the AFC Asian Cup for the first time in 55 years, said he had received an offer form an unnamed entity and was terminating his contract with the territory.
“After much careful consideration I’ve made a difficult decision, I have decided to take a new challenge and a step down from my position as head coach of the Hong Kong, China representative team,” Andersen told reporters at a specially convened press conference.
“The Hong Kong FA have made every effort to retain me in my current position. I have been offered a new three-year contract that meets all my requirements. They do everything, they fight every day to try to let me stay in Hong Kong and make a great job.
“I’m grateful for the unwavering support I received from the Hong Kong FA and that is why I many times have turned down good offers from other clubs and other nations.
“However, I have recently received an invitation from a club outside that presents an opportunity I simply could not refuse. It’s with a great regret that I bid farewell to the Hong Kong football scene.”
Andersen has overseen a turnaround in Hong Kong’s football fortunes since being appointed in December 2021, steering his team to second place in their qualifying group for the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023 to secure a ticket for the finals for the first time since 1968.
He continued to lead the team on an upward trajectory with a semi-final appearance at the Asian Games in Hangzhou last September and October, when Hong Kong narrowly missed out on a medal following losses to Japan and Uzbekistan.
Andersen’s team then performed admirably at the AFC Asian Cup finals, only missing out on a place in the knockout rounds following a 3-0 loss against Palestine in their final group match.
“The last two-and-a-half years have been a fantastic journey,” said Andersen. “The Asian Cup finals in Doha was a great experience and a great thing for Hong Kong football and for me.
“Especially historic, the best-ever performance in the Hangzhou Asian Games, and this was made possible by the efforts and determination of the players. The passionate support of the fans was important as well as the contributions of my team and the entire HKFA organisation.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude once again and I simply hope the Hong Kong representative team will achieve greater success in the future.”
