Hong Kong striker Michael Udebuluzor sacked by China club 24 hours after signing contract

Hong Kong striker Michael Udebuluzor has confirmed his time with Suzhou Dongwu was over before it started, after the club announced it had “terminated the player’s reporting process”.

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Days of rumour and speculation ended late on Friday, when the mainland club finally commented on a situation sparked by Udebuluzor calling Chinese supporters “b******s” after after his side’s 1-0 defeat to China in the East Asian Football Championship on Tuesday.

In response, the 21-year-old was subjected to extreme racial abuse by some supporters on social media, while others called for the China League One club to cancel a contract signed just 24 hours earlier.

On Friday, Suzhou published a post on their official WeChat page announcing the signing of two new players. In the comments, one user asked: “What about Michael?”

In response, the club said it had “terminated the player’s reporting process to the team on July 16, and will handle the follow-up in accordance with the law, regulations and contractual agreement”.

Michael Udebuluzor (left) fends off China’s Zhang Yuning in their match on Tuesday. Photo: AP

Udebuluzor had initially declined to comment when asked about the situation, but told the Post on Saturday that he wished “Suzhou the best, and also all the Chinese supporters the best, even if some were abusive towards me”.

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