THE 24th World Chinese Evergreen Cup football tournament will be hosted by Penang from Sept 22 to 27.
The last time it was held on Malaysian soil was when Johor played host in 2012.
State Youth and Sports Committee chairman Soon Lip Chee said the event would provide a good opportunity for the players from countries around the globe to strengthen their bonds and continue the cultivation of the growth of sports and football in the region.
“The tournament is open to 32 teams throughout the world. So far, 26 have registered for the tournament.
“Among them are Australia, China, New Zealand, Spain, Taiwan, Hong Kong and not forgetting Malaysia,” Soon said when he announced the hosting of the 24th World Chinese Evergreen Cup in a press conference at the Flamingo Hotel in Tanjung Bungah this morning.
The six-day tournament would be held at the City Stadium, Batu Kawan Stadium, Penang Sports Club, Padang Polo, Chinese Recreation Club and Westlands Sports Excellence Centre for veterans.
This year’s tournament will be organised by the Penang Chinese Football Association (PCFA), which coincidentally will be celebrating its 90th anniversary.
PCFA president Tai Lee Leong said the World Chinese Evergreen Cup first started in 1989 in Manila to foster better friendship among the Chinese business community in the region.
“The goals of the tournament still remain true. We expect 800 arrivals comprising players, their family members and football fans.
“There will be an abundance of opportunities to showcase Penang to the world and bolster friendships among the players with the local community,” said Tai.
The tournament has been endorsed by the World Chinese Football Association (WCFA) which is affiliated to the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).
Also present were Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng Soon Seong, WCFA chairman Sonny Chan, former national caption Datuk Soh Chin Aun and PCFA secretary Soon Beng Chye.
For further details, contact Teoh Choon Kheng at 012-4886501.
Story by Danny Ooi
Pix by Nur Afiqah Zainudi