Football resumes in Hong Kong this weekend with cup competitions as Covid-19 pandemic eases
- League Cup to kick off in each of First, Second and Third Divisions, though there are no plans to resume top-tier Premier League this season
- Tournaments will provide welcome playing opportunities five months after suspension of all competitions, amid fifth wave of infections
Football returns in Hong Kong this weekend, five months after the abrupt suspension of all competitions when the city was hit by a fifth wave of Covid-19 infections.
There are no plans to restart the professional Premier League, but the second, third and fourth tiers will resume with a League Cup for each of their divisions.
“Many players want to get back to the playing fields, and with the pandemic situation easing in the city and the relaxation of social distancing measures, we are able to organise a tournament for them,” Football Association chairman Pui Kwan-kay said.
“They are not obliged to take part as it’s not an official event, but it would provide those who want to play some opportunities after such a long absence.”
While the government reopened sports facilities last month, which allowed football teams to resume training, it was not until May 4 that facility users were allowed to exercise outdoors without wearing a face mask.