Coronavirus: Seven Hong Kong football teams left to fight it out when season resumes in August
- HKFA confirms the withdrawal of Pegasus, BC Rangers and Yuen Long, with leaders R&F losing nine points and now in a tie at the top
- The three clubs will not be punished because of the crisis caused by the pandemic and can return to the league next season
Seven teams will complete the season when it resumes in August, with Pegasus, BC Rangers and Best Union Yuen Long pulling out, the Hong Kong Football Association confirmed.
“This is similar to what we expected,” said association chairman Pui Kwan-kay. “We understand this is a special situation because of the interruption caused by the pandemic and we seek cooperation with individual clubs.
“But if they decide not to continue, they are allowed to do so and will not be punished. We feel sorry about their decision.”
Pui said they would discuss venue arrangements with the government’s Leisure and Cultural Services Department and, if possible, resume competition in August and finish the season in early September.
Only six of 10 Hong Kong Premier League teams may complete season
“All stadiums are still closed due to the pandemic with no definite date for reopening,” said Pui. “But now with seven teams agreeing to compete, we know the exact number of fixtures remaining and will take it to the department for discussion.
“We hope to resume competition in mid August to allow more flexibility caused by any delay or rematch and finish the season in early September. Then we can start next season in late September after some break for the players.”
Pui said the three teams could still start in the Premier League next season if they wish as there will not be any relegation and promotion for this season.
But all their results this season will not be counted, according to competition rules which state, “If any participating club ceases to participate in the competition during the course of the season, the record of the matches of the competition in which its playing team has participated shall be expunged from the league table”.
Hong Kong football clubs consider September restart to league
R&F were leading outright with 22 points but their three victories against the three teams are now nullified. Lee Man (19 points) had six points deducted and Kwoon Chung Southern (18) lost five.
As a result, they are now all tiedon 13 points, followed by Kitchee (11) and Eastern (10). Happy Valley stay at the bottom with no points.
“The remaining competition will be very exciting as many teams still have a chance for the championship and qualify for next year’s Asia regional competitions,” said Pui.
First Division leaders cry foul over no promotion to Premier League next season
There are also three cup finals to be decided – the FA Cup between R&F and Eastern, the Senior Shield between Lee Man and Eastern and the Sapling Cup between Kitchee and Kwoon Chung Southern.
It is believed Yuen Long withdrew because of financial difficulties, while BC Rangers were disappointed the FA failed to answer their request for reduced match charges, including the ground and broadcasting fees. Pegasus boss Steven Lo Kit-sing had already made their intentions clear, saying the season should have been abandoned in March.
Defending champions Wofoo Tai Po reached an agreement with their major commercial sponsor to see out the delayed season, but would seek financial support from the government to settle player salaries.
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