https://www.scmp.com/rss/319951/feed The BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League is the top professional football competition in Hong Kong, with 10 teams taking part in the 2022-23 season. en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A music entrepreneur and friend to multiple household names is plotting to own and play for Supreme FC in the Hong Kong Premier League next season. Jim Wong Chi-chuen scored his team’s second goal in a 3-1 win over Kwun Tong on Sunday that maintained their five-point advantage over Wofoo Social Enterprises at the First Division summit with five matches remaining. The ambitious 35-year-old has made his promotion pitch to the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), pledging to add... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3347490/music-entrepreneur-planning-add-supreme-stardust-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 22 Mar 2026 12:19:02 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Six years after he disappointed his mum by quitting school at 16, goalkeeper Pong Cheuk-hei is shining for record-breaking Kitchee and pressing for a senior international Hong Kong debut this month. “It was a good bet,” Pong said of his decision to abandon education after Ho Kwok-chuen, the former Hong Kong goalkeeper who was coaching at Resources Capital, asked the non-committed student: “If you’re just going to waste time in class why not come to train every day?” “I bet on myself that I could... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346712/hong-kong-goalkeeper-winning-bet-after-quitting-school-football?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 16 Mar 2026 05:15:58 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Darren Read acknowledged he was “a little bit shocked” to be thrust into the breach as interim Lee Man head coach, and downplayed his prospects of landing the permanent role. Promoted from assistant following the exit of Chu Siu-kei on Sunday, Read made a dream start three days later when he oversaw a League Cup semi-final victory over Tai Po, then relayed news to his audibly thrilled players that their triumph had secured “an extra bonus from the big boss”. They will meet the winners of next... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3346345/hong-kong-football-boss-shocked-land-job-downplays-permanent-hopes-after-dream-start?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 12 Mar 2026 23:00:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Man have parted company with head coach Chu Siu-kei following their shock FA Cup quarter-final defeat by BC Rangers on Sunday, with assistant Darren Read taking charge until the end of the season. Initially installed as caretaker boss following the exit of Matt Holland almost a year ago, Chu was appointed on a permanent basis at the end of last season. Lee Man are second in the league, 11 points behind runaway leaders Kitchee, having played one game fewer. Heavy favourites to beat Rangers on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345924/lee-man-boss-chu-sacked-hours-after-shock-fa-cup-defeat-rangers-reed-takes-charge?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 09 Mar 2026 04:30:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The family who bankroll Hong Kong Premier League side Tai Po say they are fully committed to the reigning champions, but any decision over the club’s future beyond this season belongs to president Peter Lam Yick-kuen. Sources previously told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip were ending their involvement, and after being beaten by Southern last weekend, head coach Lee Chi-kin said he did not know how much cash the Yips planned to invest next season. But Francis Yip, who... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345649/tai-po-backers-deny-theyll-pull-plug-team-say-hong-kong-champions-have-full-support?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:00:14 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Talented young Tai Po forward Lee Lok-him is juggling his football career with working on a geriatric hospital ward as part of the nursing degree he is taking to safeguard his future. Identified as a serious Hong Kong prospect by interim head coach Roberto Losada, the 21-year-old Lee started and finished Tai Po’s weekend defeat by Southern, after a decisive cameo off the bench in the recent Senior Shield final victory over BC Rangers. He said he was “a bit shocked but also excited” to be... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345087/meet-hong-kong-footballer-balancing-passion-nursing-chasing-china-dream?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:30:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The future of reigning Hong Kong Premier League champions Tai Po has been left shrouded in uncertainty, with the club’s owners reportedly considering pulling out at the end of the season. Sources have told the South China Morning Post that Francis and Catherine Yip, the husband-and-wife pair, are considering cutting their ties after four years of bankrolling the district club. The SCMP has also been told that none of the large number of players whose contracts expire this summer have been... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3345020/uncertainty-surrounds-tai-po-future-owners-consider-pulling-plug-football-club?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 02 Mar 2026 00:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Asier Illarramendi has delivered a Lunar New Year boost to Kitchee, the former Real Madrid midfielder revealing he is revelling in his instrumental role with the Hong Kong Premier League champions-elect, and happy to be living among “lovely people” in Kai Tak. Since his debut last November, the Spaniard has helped inspire Kitchee to nine straight victories, the latest of which was a 1-0 win over second-placed Lee Man on Sunday that opened a mammoth 12-point gap at the league summit. And the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343885/ex-real-madrid-player-asier-illarramendi-loving-kitchee-winning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3343885/ex-real-madrid-player-asier-illarramendi-loving-kitchee-winning-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 19 Feb 2026 00:00:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kitchee have completed the statement capture of former Real Sociedad forward Martin Merquelanz, sending a message of intent to their pursuers at the local league summit. The 30-year-old Merquelanz, who was most recently with FC Andorra in the Spanish second tier, made the last of his 18 appearances for two-time La Liga champions Sociedad away at Atletico Madrid in May 2021. His senior debut for the club came as a substitute for now-Kitchee teammate Asier Illarramendi away against SD Eibar in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3342367/hong-kong-club-kitchee-sign-former-la-liga-attacker-martin-merquelanz-show-intent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3342367/hong-kong-club-kitchee-sign-former-la-liga-attacker-martin-merquelanz-show-intent?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Feb 2026 11:00:41 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The Hong Kong midfielder Jesse Yu Joy-yin has completed a deadline day transfer back to Eastern from China League One club Shijiazhuang Gongfu. Yu moved in the opposite direction just 12 months ago, but he has returned from the mainland after making 17 appearances during a largely frustrating stay. Eastern were yet to confirm the capture of Yu on Monday night, but sources have told the Post a deal has been agreed and confirmation is imminent. The 24-year-old playmaker has 19 Hong Kong caps. He... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3341298/hong-kong-club-eastern-stage-coup-re-sign-star-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3341298/hong-kong-club-eastern-stage-coup-re-sign-star-mainland-china?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:03:39 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kitchee christened their new Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground home with a 4-2 victory over listless defending champions Tai Po on Sunday, underlining their resurgence under Inigo Calderon and opening up a nine-point gap at the local league summit. Not that Calderon, the head coach, was entirely happy after his side lost control of a game they led 4-0 at half-time. “We’re feeling bad after we beat the champions, which is good because that’s the level we want to reach, but we relaxed in the second half... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3341170/hong-kong-giants-kitchee-christen-new-home-style-leaving-champions-tai-po-muddle?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3341170/hong-kong-giants-kitchee-christen-new-home-style-leaving-champions-tai-po-muddle?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 Jan 2026 11:58:26 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Having grown up in “one of the most dangerous places in the world”, Samuel Granada is entirely unfazed about being the most marked man in Hong Kong football. Since joining Premier League North District on loan from Brazilian giants Fluminense back in September, Granada has scored 12 goals in 12 matches, establishing himself as the revelation of this local league season. “I’m a target for other players and fans, and there’s now an expectation among the Hong Kong people, crowds, coaches and staff... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340718/football-star-hong-kong-embracing-pressure-after-making-it-out-brazilian-favela?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340718/football-star-hong-kong-embracing-pressure-after-making-it-out-brazilian-favela?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 22 Jan 2026 00:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The superstar pair of Rodri and Gerard Pique were among those who pinged Manu Torres with congratulatory messages, after their fellow Spaniard accepted the daunting task of replacing Roberto Losada as Eastern head coach. Torres nurtured Manchester City midfielder Rodri, the 2024 Ballon d’Or winner, during more than a decade coaching Villarreal’s youth teams. As assistant manager of FC Andorra in Spain’s second division for 2½ years until summer 2023, the 50-year-old reported to a majority owner... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340560/rodri-and-gerard-pique-congratulate-eastern-boss-spaniard-praises-hong-kong-16-year-old?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3340560/rodri-and-gerard-pique-congratulate-eastern-boss-spaniard-praises-hong-kong-16-year-old?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Jan 2026 09:40:29 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Spaniard Manu Torres has been appointed head coach of Hong Kong Premier League side Eastern after the exit of Roberto Losada last month. The popular and successful Losada ended his 4½-year reign after being installed as interim boss of Hong Kong. Torres has previously worked as technical assistant with the El Salvador national team and spent time in charge of the country’s under-20s. The 50-year-old left his last position as assistant manager of Portuguese second division club FC Vizela in... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3339250/ex-el-salvador-youth-boss-torres-handed-reins-eastern-after-losada-exit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3339250/ex-el-salvador-youth-boss-torres-handed-reins-eastern-after-losada-exit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Jan 2026 02:30:08 +0000 SCMP Sport SCMP Sport Roberto Losada has left Eastern with immediate effect, days after saying he would be quitting the Hong Kong Premier League club to focus on managing the city’s senior men’s team. Losada was named interim Hong Kong head coach last week, replacing Ashley Westwood, and will take charge of the side for the Guangdong Cup games over the new year. In a statement posted on social media on Thursday, Eastern said they would look to Europe for a replacement, with assistant coach Cristiano Cordeiro taking... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336983/eastern-look-west-losada-replacement-after-coach-leaves-immediate-effect?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3336983/eastern-look-west-losada-replacement-after-coach-leaves-immediate-effect?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 19 Dec 2025 01:29:56 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tai Po’s footballers had their community in mind as they returned to domestic action on Thursday following the fire that killed at least 159 people in the district. All ticket proceeds from the match were donated to the Wang Fuk Court support fund, while on the pitch, Tai Po shared a 1-1 draw with North District. Philip Chan Siu-kwan turned home a 51st-minute cross from Fernando to give Tai Po the lead at North District Sports Ground in Sheung Shui, although the goal was awarded only after a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3335234/tai-po-players-here-help-community-they-play-first-match-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3335234/tai-po-players-here-help-community-they-play-first-match-hong-kong-fire?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:17:55 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara The big-hitting batsman-turned-international-footballer, Jahangir Khan, said he was fighting for a Hong Kong recall following his fine start to the campaign with revitalised North District. Raiding wingback Khan unleashed a blockbuster equalising strike in a 3-3 draw with Kitchee on Sunday that saw his unfashionable team climb to the top of the local Premier League table. The 25-year-old became the first player of South Asian descent to represent Hong Kong in June 2022. His achievement was all... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3330487/pakistan-born-footballers-hong-kong-ambition-after-ditching-first-sporting-love?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3330487/pakistan-born-footballers-hong-kong-ambition-after-ditching-first-sporting-love?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 28 Oct 2025 02:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara As the approaching Super Typhoon Ragasa sparked safety measures across Hong Kong on Sunday, the city’s football Premier League went ahead in farcical conditions. Amid torrential rain, Tai Po’s match against Kowloon City at Sham Shui Po Sports Ground was given the go-ahead by referee Luk Kin-sun despite rainstorm and thunderstorm warnings issued beforehand by Hong Kong Observatory. Southern’s meeting with Eastern at Aberdeen Sports Ground also passed inspections. In England on Saturday, Blackburn... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3326300/super-typhoon-ragasa-football-farce-hong-kong-matches-proceed-amid-flooding?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3326300/super-typhoon-ragasa-football-farce-hong-kong-matches-proceed-amid-flooding?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 21 Sep 2025 10:06:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Rejuvenated Kitchee survived a late Lee Man onslaught to claim a thrilling 3-2 victory over their big-spending rivals on Saturday. Goals from Kendy Ikegami, Yumemi Kanda and Adrian Revilla gave Kitchee a three-goal cushion after 74 minutes at a sodden Mong Kok Stadium. But Willian Gaucho’s deflected 83rd-minute strike gave Lee Man hope, and Kitchee right-back Law Tsz-chun turned a cross from Poon Pui-hin into his own net three minutes later to set up a grandstand finish. Kitchee, though,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3326258/hong-kong-premier-league-kitchee-survive-late-lee-man-fightback-5-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3326258/hong-kong-premier-league-kitchee-survive-late-lee-man-fightback-5-goal-thriller?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 20 Sep 2025 11:43:36 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Three years after sharing a dressing room with Flamengo’s star-studded Copa Libertadores-winning squad, Kayke David is settling into the more sober surrounds of Hong Kong Premier League club North District. Home matches in the revamped 79,000-seat Maracana Stadium and training at the sprawling Ninho do Urubu complex have given way to practising on 3G artificial turf at King’s Park in Kowloon, and playing in the tired surrounds of his new club’s 2,500-capacity ground. David has come to the city... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3325267/maracana-kings-park-family-needs-bring-brazilian-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3325267/maracana-kings-park-family-needs-bring-brazilian-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 12 Sep 2025 02:13:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kitchee have staged a notable coup after completing the signing of former Real Madrid and Spain midfielder Asier Illarramendi. The 35-year-old featured 11 times in Madrid’s 2013-14 Champions League-winning campaign. In two seasons with the Spanish giants, he made 90 appearances under boss Carlo Ancelotti and also won the Club World Cup and Copa del Rey. Illarramendi spent most of his career with boyhood club Real Sociedad, playing more than 250 games in two spells either side of his time with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3325108/former-real-madrid-and-spain-footballer-agrees-join-hong-kong-club?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3325108/former-real-madrid-and-spain-footballer-agrees-join-hong-kong-club?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 11 Sep 2025 01:44:42 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Regular visits to Hong Kong piqued the interest of New Zealand youth defender Marco Lorenz to the extent that Premier League Eastern, and maybe even the city team, are set to benefit. Lorenz, who has joined the local team from Auckland United, has a grandmother from the city and relatives still living in its confines. His maternal grandmother and his grandfather, who is from Guangzhou, emigrated to New Zealand before Lorenz’s mother was born. The idea of one day moving to Hong Kong was formed... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323949/new-zealand-footballer-comes-back-hong-kong-roots-eyes-big-leagues-after-eastern-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323949/new-zealand-footballer-comes-back-hong-kong-roots-eyes-big-leagues-after-eastern-move?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:18 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kitchee laid down a marker for the new Hong Kong Premier League campaign with a fully-merited 1-0 victory over Eastern in front of a bumper crowd on Friday night. The 2,706 attendance inside Mong Kok Stadium for a thoroughly watchable contest was larger than any gate for a top-flight game last season. Twelve-times champions Kitchee gave first starts to four of their summer signings, but it was Cheng Chin-lung, a 27-year-old graduate from the club’s youth system, who made the breakthrough after... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323718/hong-kong-giants-kitchee-begin-premier-league-campaign-statement-success?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323718/hong-kong-giants-kitchee-begin-premier-league-campaign-statement-success?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 15:00:19 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Champions Tai Po are geared up for a meeting with big-spending Lee Man on Saturday, as the new Hong Kong Premier League campaign gets under way with a bumper weekend of matches. Eastern District, who have joined what is now a 10-team top flight, will go to last season’s assured new boys Kowloon City on Sunday. The whole show gets on the road when Eastern host Kitchee on Friday at Mong Kok Stadium. North District, tipped by a lot of insiders for a vastly improved campaign, host Football Club on... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323588/hong-kong-premier-league-lee-man-pip-tai-po-title-more-silverware-eastern?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323588/hong-kong-premier-league-lee-man-pip-tai-po-title-more-silverware-eastern?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 29 Aug 2025 09:30:08 +0000 SCMP Editorial SCMP Editorial Hong Kong’s football fans have shown their passion for the sport this summer, flocking to glamorous matches between star-studded visiting teams. Almost 100,000 people watched two games involving a top Italian club and three from England in July’s Football Festival. An impressive 27,000 turned out just to watch Liverpool train. There is no doubting the city’s appetite for the sport. But this success is in stark contrast to the plight of the local game. The average attendance for men’s Premier... https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3323438/hong-kongs-local-football-needs-harness-festival-passion?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/opinion/comment/article/3323438/hong-kongs-local-football-needs-harness-festival-passion?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 28 Aug 2025 22:45:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Roberto Losada said it had been hard to summon the motivation for another campaign of fighting the odds, after his Eastern squad was again ransacked over the summer by overseas clubs and a big-spending Hong Kong Premier League opponent. Coach of the year for the past three seasons, Losada overcame the loss of five key players midway through last term to lead Eastern to FA Cup and Senior Shield glory. But prolific goal scorer Noah Baffoe, who has joined title rivals Lee Man, spearheaded a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323274/hong-kongs-top-coach-struggling-motivation-after-overseas-clubs-title-rivals-ransack-squad?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323274/hong-kongs-top-coach-struggling-motivation-after-overseas-clubs-title-rivals-ransack-squad?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 27 Aug 2025 04:29:21 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Bold newcomers Eastern District have pledged to inject some pizazz into the staid Hong Kong Premier League fan experience. Club chiefs have also embarked on an ambitious recruitment drive under director of football Alex Chu Chi-kwong, the decorated ex-Kitchee boss, as they aim to quickly establish a firm top-flight footing. The army of new signings have been told to expect a “carnival atmosphere” for home matches at the near 12,000-capacity Siu Sai Wan Sports Ground. “We want to try something... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323191/pets-padel-lots-beer-bold-plan-liven-football-matches-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323191/pets-padel-lots-beer-bold-plan-liven-football-matches-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 26 Aug 2025 09:30:12 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong football chief Eric Fok Kai-shan has said the sport locally is “gaining momentum”, as the Premier League counts down to its big kick-off on Friday. Supporters in the city may have turned out to watch European and Saudi clubs this summer, but attendances for local matches have been largely dreadful. Last season’s average of 685 was an improvement on the previous campaign’s 577 – but only once since 2015-16 has the league recorded a four-figure average gate. Asked how some of the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323061/can-hong-kong-retain-cristiano-ronaldo-factor-its-premier-league-kicks?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3323061/can-hong-kong-retain-cristiano-ronaldo-factor-its-premier-league-kicks?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 25 Aug 2025 10:37:23 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Yip Ka-yu is set to return to BC Rangers after the goalkeeper had his rape conviction overturned in June. In October 2023, Yip was sentenced to five years and three months in prison after he was convicted of raping a 17-year-old girl. The Court of Appeal determined that Yip had been left with no chance of receiving a not-guilty verdict, because the trial judge did not mention to the jury that he might have been under the “genuine but mistaken belief” that the complainant agreed to have sex with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3322095/hong-kong-footballer-resume-career-after-rape-conviction-overturned?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3322095/hong-kong-footballer-resume-career-after-rape-conviction-overturned?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 16 Aug 2025 11:26:24 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Barely a fortnight before the action begins, it has been confirmed that the Hong Kong Premier League will undergo a significant overhaul for the new campaign. The promotion of Eastern District has given the local top flight a 10th team, and led to last season’s three-round format being kicked into touch. Instead, the sides will play one another home and away, before being divided into single-round-robin Championship and Challenge groups for the closing fixtures. Each team will play a total of 22... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321750/new-look-hong-kong-premier-league-back-bang-local-fa-reveals-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321750/new-look-hong-kong-premier-league-back-bang-local-fa-reveals-revamp?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 13 Aug 2025 12:30:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Kowloon City have signed only a handful of experienced players this summer, all on the proviso that they help develop the club’s young talent. The club’s vice-chairman Andrew Mak Yung-pan has said that the club’s overarching priority is to provide a clear professional pathway for promising young players. And one of the senior recruits, Luizinho, said he was fully behind an agreement that he said would be mutually beneficial. The 29-year-old Brazilian, who joined from BC Rangers, said: “It is... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321471/brazilian-recruit-backs-kowloon-city-plan-develop-hong-kong-football-talent?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321471/brazilian-recruit-backs-kowloon-city-plan-develop-hong-kong-football-talent?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 12 Aug 2025 00:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara After overseeing a calculated squad overhaul, Chancy Cooke has set Football Club an ambitious top-half target for the new campaign. In the longer term, head coach Cooke said that should his wholehearted backing of young talent pay off, the “sky is the limit” for an aspirational club. Since finishing bottom of last season’s local Premier League, the South African has waved goodbye to thirtysomethings Andy Russell, Jack Sealy, Freddie Toomer and Marcus McMillan. Talented left-back Callum Beattie... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321380/hong-kong-football-club-boss-says-sky-limit-young-team-tackles-crowds-conundrum?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321380/hong-kong-football-club-boss-says-sky-limit-young-team-tackles-crowds-conundrum?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 10 Aug 2025 14:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara New Tai Po striker James Temelkovski has arrived in Hong Kong with the recent advice of a World Cup and Champions League winner ringing in his ears. Last summer, Temelkovski secured a dream professional opportunity with the Australian A-League team Western Sydney Wanderers. However, the 27-year-old Australian made only eight substitute appearances in his single campaign. His solitary goal, against Central Coast Mariners, was created by former Chelsea and Manchester United forward Juan... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321066/world-cup-winner-juan-matas-advice-hong-kong-champions-australian-striking-recruit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3321066/world-cup-winner-juan-matas-advice-hong-kong-champions-australian-striking-recruit?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 08 Aug 2025 00:00:07 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Innovative football club Kowloon City have enlisted expertise from Italian giants Juventus in their bid to develop Hong Kong talent capable of shining in Europe’s big leagues. The district club, who were promoted to the local Premier League last season, are entering the second year of a five-year plan that Andrew Mak Yung-pan, the vice-chairman, wants to conclude with “the Kowloon City brand as an established name in the Hong Kong sports industry”. Along with aiming to be “a conveyor belt” for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320842/juventus-link-will-see-kowloon-city-send-talented-hong-kong-footballers-italy?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320842/juventus-link-will-see-kowloon-city-send-talented-hong-kong-footballers-italy?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 22:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara A Pakistan-born footballer has set himself the unusual twin target of playing for Hong Kong while maintaining a parallel career in civic life. Naveed Khan scored 22 goals for Central & Western District last season, after stepping down to play in Division One while he concentrated on his job with Kowloon City District Council. The 25-year-old, who rejected a Pakistan call-up in 2019, has been snapped up by Hong Kong Football Club for the forthcoming Premier League campaign. “I knew a Premier... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320725/pakistan-born-footballer-aims-play-hong-kong-while-serving-community?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320725/pakistan-born-footballer-aims-play-hong-kong-while-serving-community?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 05 Aug 2025 00:30:11 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara For Roger Riera, the new Kitchee centre-back, it was both a blessing and a curse that his emergence at Barcelona coincided with the club’s greatest era. An awestruck Riera trained with Lionel Messi, Neymar and Andres Iniesta. On the flip side, he could see no way into the Catalans’ glittering squad, so he left for Nottingham Forest three months after captaining Barcelona to the 2014 Uefa Youth League title. “It was always my dream to reach the Barcelona first team, and when we won the youth... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320522/messi-and-neymars-former-barcelona-colleague-bringing-winning-mentality-kitchee?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3320522/messi-and-neymars-former-barcelona-colleague-bringing-winning-mentality-kitchee?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 02 Aug 2025 03:16:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Hong Kong international Nicholas Benavides has pledged to never give up on his bid to win over Tai Po title-winning head coach Lee Chi-kin. The versatile left-footer has made as many appearances for the city team, six, as he has starts for Tai Po, since he joined from Sham Shui Po last summer. Rumours over a potential switch to the mainland were shut down by Lee, who said he had received no offers, but would want a transfer fee to allow Benavides to leave. “We are a professional club and should... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3319235/hong-kong-footballer-makes-tai-po-pledge-club-demand-fee-any-mainland-china-move?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3319235/hong-kong-footballer-makes-tai-po-pledge-club-demand-fee-any-mainland-china-move?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:48:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara While Hong Kong’s best are in South Korea for the East Asian Football Championship, the city’s top clubs have been accelerating their preparations for the new campaign. Not that Tai Po, Eastern, Kitchee, Lee Man and the rest know precisely what they are readying themselves for. The local football association has confirmed Eastern District will be promoted into a new 10-team Premier League, as first reported by the Post. But there is no word on when the new campaign will begin or the design of... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317480/hong-kong-football-clubs-dark-over-new-season-pushing-ahead-signings?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3317480/hong-kong-football-clubs-dark-over-new-season-pushing-ahead-signings?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 09 Jul 2025 04:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Eric Fok Kai-shan has revealed that the immediate future of Hong Kong football will feature Eastern District, but not the Brazil national team. Eastern District have been accepted into the Hong Kong Premier League for the 2025-26 season, although Chinese fourth-tier club Canton United’s application has been knocked back. Fok, the chairman of the Football Association of Hong Kong, China (HKFA), told the Post: “Eastern District met all our requirements; they will join the Premier League, so we... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316966/brazil-will-not-be-visiting-hong-kong-any-time-soon-says-hkfa-boss-eric-fok?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316966/brazil-will-not-be-visiting-hong-kong-any-time-soon-says-hkfa-boss-eric-fok?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 04 Jul 2025 09:30:08 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Man have announced a 12-player clear-out following a trophyless season for the deposed Hong Kong Premier League champions. Henri Anier, the league’s joint-top scorer during Lee Man’s invincible previous campaign in 2023-24, is among the headline departures. Defender Ryan Tafazolli has left following the expiry of his loan from Wycombe Wanderers, while Brazilian forwards Paulinho Simionato and Samuel Rosa have not had their contracts renewed. Timothy Chow, the 19-year-old Hong Kong defender,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316407/hong-kong-fallen-giants-lee-man-and-kitchee-swing-axe-release-25-players?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3316407/hong-kong-fallen-giants-lee-man-and-kitchee-swing-axe-release-25-players?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:45:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Oleksii Shliakotin cashed in on a personal eight-year gamble when he was included in the Hong Kong squad to face Nepal this week. After arriving in the city to join Biu Chun Glory Sky in November 2016, Ukraine-born Shliakotin “fell in love with the best place in the world”. Within a year, he had resolved to qualify as a local and represent Hong Kong. His choice meant that, as a foreign goalkeeper competing with outfielders for overseas spots, Shliakotin had to accept limited club football for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312833/hong-kong-new-boy-rewarded-8-year-gamble-shares-heartbreak-over-war-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312833/hong-kong-new-boy-rewarded-8-year-gamble-shares-heartbreak-over-war-ukraine?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:06:10 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Noah Baffoe scored a breathtaking four-minute hat-trick to win the Hong Kong FA Cup for Eastern, then declared he had played his last match for the club. Eastern appeared destined for disappointment against BC Rangers, who were leading 1-0 and in complete control at Mong Kok Stadium, following an early strike from Lau Chi-lok, before the irrepressible Baffoe intervened with 10 minutes remaining. He squeezed a penalty-box shot past Oleksii Shliakotin to equalise, then beat the six-feet five-inch... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312586/eastern-win-hong-kong-fa-cup-after-brilliant-noah-baffoe-hat-trick-downs-rangers?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312586/eastern-win-hong-kong-fa-cup-after-brilliant-noah-baffoe-hat-trick-downs-rangers?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 31 May 2025 09:06:12 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Canton United, an amateur team playing in mainland China’s fourth tier, have announced the signing of former AC Milan and Paris Saint-Germain forward Jeremy Menez, as they attempt to join the Hong Kong Premier League. The club, who are based in Guangzhou, wrote on Weibo that they had signed the former French international, who retired last September. Menez, 38, has not commented publicly on the move, but Canton said he would join in July. The Post has contacted Menez for comment. “We are pleased... https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3312454/chinese-club-sign-ex-psg-ac-milan-star-target-place-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/china/article/3312454/chinese-club-sign-ex-psg-ac-milan-star-target-place-hong-kong-premier-league?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 May 2025 12:00:13 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Wong Chin-hung has challenged his BC Rangers players to launch a new golden era for the club when they go for FA Cup glory against holders Eastern on Saturday. Rangers’ dynamism in a 3-0 rout of Lee Man last weekend was testament to how Wong, one of Hong Kong’s brightest young managers, has transformed a once flatlining team since taking over in October. He ripped up an all-attacking policy and his methods built confidence. His side can underline their revival in a Mong Kok Stadium final bearing... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312410/rejuvenated-rangers-aim-hong-kong-fa-cup-glory-launch-new-golden-era?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3312410/rejuvenated-rangers-aim-hong-kong-fa-cup-glory-launch-new-golden-era?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 30 May 2025 04:57:44 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Numerous sporting stars have tripped the light fantastic on dancing television shows, but a winner of 14 national ballroom competitions from Denmark has leapt from dance floor to football field in Hong Kong. Jonas Sorensen joined Hong Kong Football Club at the beginning of this year after arriving to work as a dance teacher for the business owned by his uncle and aunt, who live in the city. They happen to be Klaus Kongsdal, a former world ballroom champion, and Katya Virshilas, whose three... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311726/strictly-come-dancing-stars-nephew-pirouettes-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311726/strictly-come-dancing-stars-nephew-pirouettes-football-hong-kong?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 26 May 2025 02:00:17 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Tai Po won the Hong Kong Premier League on Sunday, as Lee Man’s final-day collapse brought the season to the most astonishing of conclusions. The league leaders had been expected to waltz to the victory they needed at BC Rangers to wrap up a second straight title, instead 15 minutes of madness left them on the wrong end of a 3-0 defeat. That turned Tai Po’s 3-1 win over North District into a title party, and not the largely fruitless endeavour it was supposed to have been. With 74 minutes gone... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311717/tai-po-win-hong-kong-premier-league-after-lee-mans-15-minutes-madness?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3311717/tai-po-win-hong-kong-premier-league-after-lee-mans-15-minutes-madness?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 25 May 2025 09:27:44 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Aston Villa’s captain at the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens has said he will be channelling his illustrious clubmate Youri Tielemans as his side aim for an eighth title this weekend. Todd Alcock is playing in his third Soccer Sevens at Hong Kong Football Club after victory in his first in 2023 and defeat by Brighton & Hove Albion in last year’s final. This year, he has his sights set on a third consecutive final and going one better than 12 months ago. “The last two years, we’ve had a... https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310487/hong-kong-soccer-sevens-aston-villa-captain-taking-tips-tielemans?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/hong-kong/article/3310487/hong-kong-soccer-sevens-aston-villa-captain-taking-tips-tielemans?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 16 May 2025 00:45:07 +0000 Lars Hamer Lars Hamer Former Liverpool manager and captain Graeme Souness has urged rising English Premier League stars to get the most out of their trip to Hong Kong this week – as he did years ago. This weekend, Hong Kong will welcome academy players from English top-flight quintet Aston Villa, Brighton & Hove Albion, Leicester City, Newcastle United and West Ham United for the HKFC Standard Chartered Soccer Sevens. Souness, who visited Hong Kong in 1977 with Middlesbrough and then returned six years later with... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310486/souness-urges-premier-league-starlets-make-most-hong-kong-visit-he-did?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310486/souness-urges-premier-league-starlets-make-most-hong-kong-visit-he-did?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 15 May 2025 10:30:09 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Man midfielder Mitchel Paulissen has indicated he wants to extend his stint in Hong Kong – despite saying the local Premier League serves up slow football, poor players and substandard pitches. The Dutchman is closing in on his second league title in as many seasons with Lee Man and was overcome with emotion last Sunday after a 101st-minute winner at Kowloon City kept them on course to retain their crown. But he said the city had yet to see the best of him since he arrived two summers ago,... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310299/dutch-footballer-hong-kong-laments-citys-bad-league-wants-stay?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310299/dutch-footballer-hong-kong-laments-citys-bad-league-wants-stay?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 14 May 2025 08:48:45 +0000 Paul McNamara Paul McNamara Lee Chi-kin, the Tai Po head coach, has called for more transparency around football’s use of VAR, and lamented the damaging calls against his team during a potentially season-wrecking recent run. Tai Po conceded penalties in four straight matches as they lost two cup semi-finals and drew a pair of league fixtures to surrender top spot to Lee Man. Lee claimed his players were “scared to touch anyone in the box” during a restorative 3-2 victory at BC Rangers on Saturday. “You can imagine the... https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310094/football-bosses-observing-var-officials-tai-po-coach-calls-transparency?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3310094/football-bosses-observing-var-officials-tai-po-coach-calls-transparency?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 13 May 2025 04:00:16 +0000