What Is 2017 Premier League Asia Trophy

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2017 Premier League Asia Trophy was a pre-season football tournament held in Hong Kong from July 19 to 22, featuring Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace. Chelsea won the final 2–1 against Liverpool.

Key Facts

Tournament held from July 19 to 22, 2017 in Hong Kong
Featured four English Premier League clubs: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace
Matches played at Hong Kong Stadium with a capacity of 40,000
Chelsea defeated Liverpool 2–1 in the final on July 22
Arsenal won third place by beating Crystal Palace 2–1 on penalties after a 1–1 draw

Overview

The 2017 Premier League Asia Trophy was a pre-season football competition organized by the English Premier League to promote the league in Asia. Held every two to four years since 2003, the 2017 edition marked the fifth iteration of the tournament and the first time it took place in Hong Kong.

The event brought together four top Premier League clubs for a short, knockout-style tournament aimed at engaging fans in Asia and providing teams with competitive pre-season matches. Despite being a friendly competition, the matches featured strong lineups and attracted significant regional attention.

July 19–22, 2017: The tournament spanned four days, with two semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and a final match held at Hong Kong Stadium.
Participating teams: Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, and Crystal Palace—all Premier League clubs—competed, with three finishing in the top nine of the 2016–17 season.
Venue: All matches were played at Hong Kong Stadium, a 40,000-capacity venue that hosted international-level football for the first time in years.
Attendance: Over 80,000 fans attended the four matches combined, with the final drawing more than 35,000 spectators.
Format: The tournament followed a single-elimination format with semi-finals, a third-place playoff, and a final—all within four days.

How It Works

The Premier League Asia Trophy is designed to expand the league's global reach through exhibition matches in key Asian markets. Clubs participate during pre-season, using the event for fitness, team integration, and fan engagement.

Biennial Event: The tournament is held every two to four years; the 2017 edition followed the 2013 tournament in Hong Kong and preceded the 2019 event in China.
Club Participation: Four Premier League teams are invited, often based on commercial appeal, past performance, and regional fanbase strength.
Pre-Season Timing: Matches occur in July, aligning with the European pre-season schedule and allowing teams to test tactics before the new season.
Commercial Focus: The event includes fan festivals, sponsor activations, and media events, emphasizing brand exposure over competitive stakes.
Match Rules: Semi-finals and finals follow standard 90-minute rules; if tied, third-place and final matches go directly to penalties—no extra time in 2017.
Player Rotation: Managers used varied lineups, with senior players appearing in parts of matches and younger squad members getting significant minutes.

Comparison at a Glance

A comparison of the four participating teams' 2016–17 Premier League finishes and performance in the 2017 Asia Trophy:

Team	2016–17 League Finish	Tournament Result	Key Players Appeared	Attendance (Match)
Chelsea	1st	Champions (2–1 vs Liverpool)	Thibaut Courtois, César Azpilicueta	35,100
Liverpool	4th	Runners-up	Philippe Coutinho, Roberto Firmino	35,100
Arsenal	5th	Third place (won on penalties)	Alexis Sánchez, Petr Čech	31,000
Crystal Palace	14th	Fourth place	Yohan Cabaye, Joel Ward	31,000
Tournament Average	N/A	20,300 per match	Mixed senior and youth squads	20,300

The table shows that higher league finishers generally advanced further, though Arsenal overperformed relative to their 5th-place finish. Attendance reflected strong local support, especially for Liverpool and Chelsea.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Premier League Asia Trophy had lasting significance beyond the results, reinforcing the league’s global commercial strategy and deepening fan engagement in Asia. It also provided clubs with valuable pre-season experience in a competitive setting.

Global Branding: The Premier League used the event to strengthen its presence in Asia, where it has over 1 billion fans across the region.
Revenue Generation: Sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and broadcasting rights contributed to significant commercial returns for the league and clubs.
Player Development: Younger squad members gained match fitness and exposure, helping managers assess depth before the season.
Fan Engagement: Over 100,000 fans attended ancillary events, including training sessions and autograph signings, boosting local loyalty.
Media Coverage: The tournament was broadcast in over 150 countries, amplifying visibility for participating clubs and the Premier League brand.
Future Expansion: Success in Hong Kong influenced the league’s decision to host the 2019 edition in China, continuing the Asian expansion strategy.

The 2017 tournament demonstrated how sports entertainment and commercial interests can align effectively on an international stage.