Guangzhou R&F must field four local players to join Hong Kong Premier League, says board
Chinese Super League Club have two days to submit a reply to Hong Kong Football Association on whether they will accept the new rule to play in the city’s top flight competition
The HKFA board on Monday imposed a “local player” rule on Guangzhou R&F after a wave of opposition from clubs, players and fans over the Chinese Super League team’s plans to field only mainland players in the Hong Kong Premier League next season.
At a Hong Kong Football Association board meeting on Monday, members agreed a resolution stipulating that Guangzhou R&F’s development squad must field at least four Hong Kong players at every match.
The resolution followed heated discussions on expanding the number of teams playing in the Premier League from nine last season to 11 next term.
“We have listened to comments made by clubs, players and other stakeholders after the recommendations of the working party and it’s now up to Guangzhou R&F to decide if they want to become the 11th team in the Premier League next season,” said Football Association chairman Brian Leung Hung-tak.
Guangzhou R&F, who have also agreed to sponsor a cup competition to the tune of HK$1 million, have two days to reply to the board on whether they would accept the new rule.