Ex-R&F players ‘positive’ after first hearing against club over unpaid wages

Nine players will have to wait until mid-August for next Labour Tribunal hearing in contract dispute

Guangzhou-based side pulled out of Hong Kong Premier League last October days after season ended

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Hong Kong Premier League side R&F pose before taking on Lee Man at Mong Kok Stadium. Photo: HKFA

Published: 12:39pm, 30 Jan 2021Updated: 12:39pm, 30 Jan 2021

The former players of Hong Kong Premier League side R&F are “very positive” after their first hearing with the Labour Tribunal over unpaid wages.

Guangzhou-based R&F pulled out of the league on October 14 last year, days after the delayed 2020-21 season finished. The club had been the most vocal opponents of the league resuming after its Covid-19 pause.

The players, who were all on fixed-term contracts with the club, had between eight and 24 months left to run on their deals when the club pulled out of the Hong Kong Football Association-run league.

Nine players – down from the original 12 – were represented at the first hearing by Hugill & Ip on January 26, presided over by Wayne Hariman.

Hong Kong R&F train at the Jockey Club HKFA Tseung Kwan O Training Centre ahead of the season restart last August. Photo” Chan Kin-wa

The nine players are Fung Hing-wa, Yip Ka-yu, Tse Ka-wing, Roberto, Dudu, Sean Tse, Vas Nunez, Matt Lam and Jared Lum.

“We thank the Tribunal for their time and feel very positive after the first hearing,” the players said in a statement.