New Hong Kong Premier League no different to First Division: Peter Leung
Eastern boss says the much-hyped competition will have little impact on the local game as the HKFA becomes more bureaucratic
The Premier League, due to be launched in September, is little different from its predecessor and will hardly change domestic soccer, top club official Peter Leung Shou-chi said yesterday.
Leung, a director of ambitious side Eastern, said he was disappointed with the way things were being handled by the administration, saying nothing had been done to move the sport forward.
"The Hong Kong Football Association has become more bureaucratic under Phoenix Project; the only thing they have done is hire more people to do jobs, which were handled by fewer people before," said Leung, who presided over his team's first practice session in preparation for the new season.
I just can't find any major difference from the previous First Division. There is a change in name, but there is no change in substance
"We see many people working busily in the premises, but when we need assistance, we have little idea of whom to approach.
"We are going to have the new Premier League, but I just can't find any major difference from the previous First Division. There is a change in name, but there is no change in substance."
Leung said in professional leagues like those in England, Europe and Japan, clubs have a strong say in matters relating to the league, but this did not appear to be the case in Hong Kong.