Hong Kong First Division goalkeepers are exempt from August's physical test following a thorough discussion among local club representatives yesterday. The Hong Kong Football Association (HKFA) professional football committee also agreed that players would only have to run 3,000 metres, instead of 3,200 metres, in 12 minutes before they can play in the elite league. The short sprints have also been dropped from the test. The original test, which required 'keepers to run 3,000 metres in 12 minutes, aroused heavy criticisms from players and coaches. HKFA chairman Victor Hui Chun-fui said: 'We would like to make it easier for the players since they haven't had the test before. There will be two re-tests for those who failed the first one on August 23, before the league kicks off on September 7.' Hui added that there would be special arrangements for Instant-Dict players, who are to compete in the Asian Cup Winners' Cup first round return-leg match against Singapore's Armed Forces on August 23 at Mongkok Stadium. Meanwhile, the clubs also agreed to play a two-round league. Half of the points the teams gain in the first round will be added to the second round of the competition. The title will be decided by a two-round play-off among the top four teams.
