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Liverpool Football Club will be the feature attraction at the "Invest Hong Kong Football Challenge 2003" to be held on July 27 at the Hong Kong Stadium. The Worthington Cup holders will play against the Hong Kong team in the match, for which Invest Hong Kong is the title sponsor.

The announcement was made today (June 20) by the Director-General of Investment Promotion at Invest Hong Kong and secretary of the Economic Relaunch Strategy Group, Mr Mike Rowse, at his regular media briefing on Hong Kong's relaunch activities.

The eagerly anticipated match, featuring England World Cup stars Michael Owen and Emile Heskey, and household names such as Steven Gerrard, Sami Hyypia and Jerzy Dudek, will play in Liverpool's build-up to the 2003-2004 English Premiership season.

The match is being organised by sports marketing specialists IMG and hosted by the Hong Kong Football Association.

IMG's President for Asia & Pacific, Mr Breck McCormack, said: "On behalf of IMG, I would like to express our sincere appreciation to our title sponsor Invest Hong Kong, for its valuable support in helping to bring Liverpool Football Club to Hong Kong. I am sure all Hong Kong's football fans will join me in thanking them for enabling us to bring one of the world's leading clubs to play against our own Hong Kong National Team."

Mr Rowse was delighted that Liverpool FC would be playing in Hong Kong next month and pleased to be the title sponsor. He said, "The Invest Hong Kong Football Challenge 2003 will contribute both to the reassurance and recovery phases of relaunching Hong Kong. It will be the kind of high-profile event that will stimulate increased confidence and promote business and local consumption."

"Liverpool is one of the top and most popular football clubs both in this region and globally. Its participation in this match helps demonstrate to the rest of the world that Hong Kong is a safe city and open for business, tourism, sports, entertainment and many other activities," Mr Rowse added.

The President of the Hong Kong Football Association, Mr Timothy Fok, said: "I am delighted that our National Team will gain valuable experience playing against some of the sports' most skilled and talented players, and that local fans are being given the opportunity to see some truly spectacular football."

"By hosting the Invest Hong Kong Football Challenge 2003, Hong Kong will move a step closer to becoming a centre for international sporting events," Mr Fok added.

IMG also announced that tickets will go on sale to the public from 9 am on July 5 (Saturday) at the Hong Kong Stadium. Prices are HK$580, $450, $350 and $280, with a $120 ticket for senior citizens and students. Ticket sales will be limited to four per person.

An Enquiry Hotline has been established on 2712 9122.

The Invest Hong Kong Football Challenge 2003 will kick off at 3 pm on July 27 (Sunday) at the Hong Kong Stadium.

End/Friday, June 20, 2003

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