Foxes To Take On Hong Kong Soccer Sevens

They join West Ham United, Stoke City, Newcastle United and Aston Villa in the world-renowned tournament, which takes place at Hong Kong Football Club from 29-31 May. 

The exciting seven-a-side format has seen great success for English teams in recent years, winning 10 of the 15 editions. The most recent of those came last summer, when Manchester City took the title. 

Five-time champions Aston Villa will be among City’s main challengers, along with Newcastle, who City beat in the 2013 final to take their first title. 

The draw will pit the Foxes against a host of teams from around the world and will take place in April. 

Tony Bratsanos, Chairman of the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens Organising Committee, said:“The HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens has always had a strong presence from the Premier League, so we’re delighted that Aston Villa, Newcastle United and Leicester City are continuing their participation and will be bidding to lift the Cup again. 

“We’re excited that West Ham will be coming back after a brief break, as they were a very popular side when they played here, and we’re also proud that we were able to secure Stoke City for their tournament debut. Stoke are enjoying a fine season and will be a welcome addition to the Main competition.” 

Citibank has title sponsored the event since 2011. Weber Lo, Citi Country Officer and Chief Executive Officer, Hong Kong and Macau, said:“We are proud to be the title sponsor of this prestigious soccer tournament once again this year. 

“I am excited to again see a strong English Premier League presence at the HKFC Citibank Soccer Sevens. Each year, the tournament features both returning and new teams, which always keeps the line-up interesting.” 

Hong Kong clubs Kitchee (2011) and Instant Dict (2000), Japan’s Urawa Reds (2005, 2006) and Scottish giants Celtic (2009) are the tournament’s only non-English champions. 

The remaining sides in this year’s 16-team Main competition and teams competing in the over-35 Masters tournament will be confirmed soon. 

Future stars who have competed in the Main competition include Gabby Agbonlahor, Glen Johnson, Marc Albrighton, David Bentley, Anton Ferdinand, Sammy Ameobi, Shaun Maloney, Jack Grealish and Rolando Aarons. 

The Masters tournament has featured former England internationals Peter Beardsley, John Barnes, Chris Waddle, Teddy Sheringham, Des Walker, Andy Cole and Matt Le Tissier, German legends Jurgen Klinsmann and Pierre Littbarski, Finnish icon Jari Litmanen, Dutch great Aron Winter and former France winger Didier Six.