Hong Kong FA proposes more matches for Premier League after R&F pull-out leaves only eight teams

The Hong Kong Football Association may reintroduce a play-off round for the new season to increase the number of matches following the sudden withdrawal of R&F from the Premier League.

Last week, the Guangzhou-based club pulled out of the competition, leaving only eight teams in the competition. As a result, the league championship will be decided after 14 matches for a club if the league continues under its current format.

“We definitely want more matches for the new season and we’re discussing with the clubs a number of options,” said association chairman Pui Kwan-kay. “The clubs are investing a lot of money [into their teams] and a 14-game league season for each of them is less than ideal. They also want to see more fans come and watch, although we still have no idea when we would be able to bring fans back given the current pandemic situation. 

“One of the options is the introduction of a championship play-off [round] for the top teams and a relegation play-off for the bottom teams so that we can have more matches on top of the double round robin format.”

Eastern Long Lions manager Lee Chi-kin agreed more league matches should decide the championship. “Even though R&F might have pulled out, there are still a number of teams who are vying for the league title. Since there are only eight teams left in contention, the league trophy would be confirmed after only 14 matches for a club. That does not live up to expectations and it doesn’t seem like a ‘league journey’. We know the association is working on it and hopefully they can sort it out before the league competition starts next month.”