The Sports Federation and Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC) has told its 77 affiliated associations that they need to reform within two years after a head-to-toe internal review.
If the associations fail to pass inspections — which cover six areas — before the end of 2026, they may risk losing funding, the SF&OC said.
On Wednesday, the SF&OC published a report based on its institutional governance review and announced a code of governance for affiliated sports associations.
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The review, according to the SF&OC, encompassed 243 indicators spanning six key categories namely board governance, integrity, athlete selection processes, coach and referee management, membership protocols, and overall administrative governance.
About 60 percent of the indicators are fully or partially in compliance, while certain aspects, particularly those involving board governance, athletes’ selection and coach and referee management required optimization.
The committee published a Code of Governance as part of the effort to improve governance, adding advice regarding the establishment or improvement of the qualification and registration mechanisms for athletes, coaches and referees, and procedures for handling complaints.
All affiliated associations need to implement the code and follow up other advice in the review by the end of 2026.
The SF&OC said it will review the progress of reforms in early 2027, issuing confirmation certificates to those meeting the governance standards.
After meeting government officials, Edgar Yang Joe-tsi, honorary secretary-general of the SF&OC, said that associations failing to receive certification may face repercussions such as a halt in government funding by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department until governance standards improve.
Yang mentioned that the committee will also revise its regulations to intervene promptly when issues arise within associations, aiming to enhance governance levels and ensure compliance.
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Kenneth Fok Kai-kong, vice-president of the SF&OC, said the move is expected to assist associations in enhancing corporate governance and addressing potential staffing shortages, with the goal of reaching public standards of excellence within two years.
Secretary for Culture, Sports, and Tourism Kevin Yeung Yun-hung said the report and the code of governance have met the government’s requirements and the public’s expectations.
He said he hopes that concerned sports associations will work closely with the SF&OC over the next two years to enhance governance and operational efficiency, allowing Hong Kong athletes to reach their full potential in a fair and professional environment.
Contact the writer at stephyzhang@chinadailyhk.com
