Hong Kong Premier League

Hong Kong Premier League

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DateRHome v Away-
01/05 07:00 11 North District v HK Rangers FC View
01/05 08:30 11 Hong Kong FC v Tai Po View
01/11 07:00 12 Tai Po v Lee Man FC View
01/11 07:00 12 Southern District v Kitchee View
01/12 07:00 12 North District v Kowloon City View
01/12 08:30 12 Hong Kong FC v Eastern SC View
01/18 07:00 13 North District v Tai Po View
01/18 10:00 13 Eastern SC v Kitchee View
01/19 07:00 13 HK Rangers FC v Lee Man FC View
01/19 08:30 13 Hong Kong FC v Kowloon City View
01/25 07:00 14 Southern District v Kowloon City View
01/25 10:00 14 Lee Man FC v North District View
01/26 07:00 14 Tai Po v Kitchee View
01/26 10:00 14 HK Rangers FC v Hong Kong FC View
02/02 10:00 4 Kitchee v Eastern SC View
02/08 07:00 15 Lee Man FC v Kowloon City View
02/08 10:00 15 Eastern SC v Southern District View
02/09 07:00 15 HK Rangers FC v Kitchee View
02/09 08:30 15 Hong Kong FC v Tai Po View
02/15 07:00 16 Southern District v North District View
02/15 10:00 16 HK Rangers FC v Kowloon City View
02/16 07:00 16 Eastern SC v Lee Man FC View
02/16 08:30 16 Hong Kong FC v Kitchee View
02/22 07:00 17 Tai Po v Southern District View
02/22 10:00 17 Lee Man FC v Hong Kong FC View
02/23 07:00 17 Kowloon City v Eastern SC View
02/23 10:00 17 HK Rangers FC v North District View
02/26 12:00 11 Kitchee v Kowloon City View
03/08 07:00 18 Kitchee v North District View
03/08 10:00 18 HK Rangers FC v Eastern SC View

The Hong Kong Premier League (Chinese: 香港超級聯賽) is a Hong Kong professional football league organised by the Football Association of Hong Kong, China. It is currently sponsored by BOC Life and officially known as BOC Life Hong Kong Premier League (Chinese: 中銀人壽香港超級聯賽). The inaugural season began in September 2014. It is the top-division football league in Hong Kong.

History

On 7 February 2013, the Hong Kong Football Association stated that the new Premier League would get under way in Autumn 2014, where it was suggested that the 2013–14 season would be a transition year. As a result, the 2013–14 Hong Kong First Division League was the last season of the First Division to be the top tier of football in the Hong Kong league system.

The clubs already in the top division initially reacted negatively to the perceived increased running costs of competing in a professional league, particularly one where some felt that there was little difference to the old First Division. Five clubs – Citizen, Southern, Sun Hei, Happy Valley and Tuen Mun all eventually decided against joining the new league, which led to fears that the HKFA's plan to start the league with a minimum of 8 teams would not be possible. In the end, however, through public funding and government support, two teams from the Hong Kong Second Division were able to meet the new league licence requirements and were promoted, making a total of 9 teams for the first season.

With the recent completion of 'Project Phoenix' which started in 2011, the league has seen some improvements with further amendments planned for the future. This includes a new five-year funding agreement, a new licensing scheme for league member clubs, prize money for all participating teams and new measures put in place against corruption and match-fixing.

Kitchee were crowned as champions of the inaugural season, after amassing a total of 36 points in the league with only 2 losses. Tai Po finished bottom of the league with only 7 points.

The following season, Eastern won the league with a game to spare, winning their first top flight championship in 20 years. They also created history, as they were the first team in the world to win a top flight men's title whilst being managed by a female coach. Wong Tai Sin were relegated after finishing last in the league.

In the 2016–17 season, Kitchee reclaimed the title on the final day of the season in a showdown with rivals Eastern, a game which they won 4–1. Eastern later won the End-of-Season playoffs and will therefore also compete along with Kitchee in the 2018 AFC Champions League. HKFC finished bottom of the table, and were thus automatically relegated to the First Division.

Kitchee successfully defended their title in the 2017–18 season, becoming the first club to repeat as champions the following year.

In the 2018–19 season, Tai Po won the league, becoming the first district team to win a top flight title since Yuen Long in 1962–63.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021–22 season was curtailed and ultimately cancelled, with the championship withheld: this was the first time a top flight league season had been cancelled since the Second World War.

Since 2022–23 season, the Premier League Committee was established. The committee focuses on promoting the Hong Kong Premier League in the market and seeking commercial sponsorships, and achieving box office revenue sharing.

In the 2023–24 season, the video assistant referee (VAR) review system was introduced. Lee Man won the league with a game to spare, winning their first ever top flight championship.

**Hong Kong Premier League: Tournament Description**

The Hong Kong Premier League is the premier professional football league in Hong Kong, showcasing the best local talent and international players in a vibrant and competitive environment. Established in 2014, the league has quickly gained recognition for its exciting matches, passionate fan base, and commitment to developing the sport in the region.

The tournament features a diverse array of teams, each representing different districts and communities across Hong Kong. With a season that typically runs from September to May, clubs compete in a round-robin format, culminating in a thrilling championship playoff to determine the league champion. The league not only emphasizes competitive excellence but also promotes sportsmanship, community engagement, and youth development through various outreach programs.

Fans can expect a dynamic atmosphere at matches, with stadiums filled with enthusiastic supporters, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities. The Hong Kong Premier League also serves as a platform for local players to showcase their skills, with many aspiring athletes dreaming of making their mark on the international stage.

In addition to the league matches, the tournament often features exciting cup competitions, showcasing the depth of talent within the league and providing opportunities for upsets and memorable moments. The Hong Kong Premier League is not just a tournament; it is a celebration of football culture, community spirit, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the beautiful game. Join us in experiencing the thrill of live football and supporting your favorite teams in this exhilarating league!