New-look Hong Kong Premier League back with a bang, as local FA reveals revamp
City’s top flight has scheduling overhaul, with opening weekend set to be dominated by two big-four fixtures
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 matches, two fewer than last term.
There had been some intrigue over where Kitchee would play their home games, after the 12-time champions lost their claim on Mong Kok Stadium.
Speculation over a relocation to Kai Tak Youth Sports Ground has so far proved unfounded, and Kitchee have been given only two home games in the season’s opening five months, with both set for Mong Kok. They are scheduled to take up residence at a revamped Tseung Kwan O Sports Ground from January 26, when Tai Po are the visitors.
The season will open with a blockbuster clash between Eastern and Kitchee under the Friday night lights at Mong Kok on August 29.