Hong Kong football will survive without R&F, says Eastern boss after Guangzhou-based side pull out of Premier League
- Lee Chi-kin says whoever wants to be part of the Hong Kong football system should play by the rules rather than point the finger
- R&F complained that the Hong Kong environment did not favour outsiders, with only eight teams set to compete in the next league campaign
Eastern manager Lee Chi-kin came to the defence of Hong Kong football after Guangzhou-based R&F pulled out of the Premier League, saying those who want to be part of the system should play by the rules instead of pointing the finger.
Lee said he was disappointed big-spending R&F were leaving the domestic league after four years but Hong Kong football would survive without them.
Eastern players returned to training on Thursday to prepare for the new season – starting on October 24 – just days after they missed out on a treble as Kitchee crowned themselves Hong Kong Premier League champions in a season interrupted by Covid-19 restrictions.
“We have always considered R&F to be a competitive team and their sudden decision to withdraw from the competition will have some impact on the game here, although it may be a short-term effect,” said Lee, who steered Wofoo Tai Po to the title in 2019. “But I think there is no need for people to make other comments on Hong Kong football, which has been there for a long time. If you want to become part of it, you should know how the rules work here.
“We are experiencing some difficult times with eight teams in the premiership next season but life still has to continue as it’s not the end of the world. All stakeholders should work together to overcome it.”