Fiasco over Hong Kong Premier League promotion not our fault, say Tai Po Football Club

Team, who won just one game out of 16 matches in the 2014-15 season, is ready to be 10th team for next term after First Division sides decline promotion

Reading Time:1 minute

Wofoo Taipo's Lui Chi-hing (left) and Kitchee's Paulo Carreiro in action during a Hong Kong Premier League match on May 2. Photo: May Tse

Published: 10:55pm, 23 Jun 2015

Relegated Tai Po have rejected claims that their decision to accept an invitation from the Hong Kong Football Association to stay in the top flight makes a mockery of the Premier League's promotion-relegation system.

The Hong Kong Football Association wants 10 teams in the Premier League, from nine last season. But First Division champions Metro Gallery Sun Source declined promotion for financial reasons, while runners-up Hong Kong Football Club did the same to keep their amateur status

This left third-placed Southern as the only team coming up from the second tier and that prompted the HKFA to ask Tai Po to return.

We have, in principle, agreed to stay as we still need ratification from the district council

Chan Ping

"In the first place, we did not ask to stay in the top flight," said Tai Po secretary Chan Ping.

"The invitation only came after clubs in the lower division did not take up a promotion offer. The association wants to have a 10-team league next season.

Tai Po Football Club secretary Chan Ping (left) with Yuen Long District Council chairman Leung Che-cheung, Yuen Long Football Club chairman Wilson Wong Wai-shun and Wong Tai Sin District Council vice-chairman Matthew Wong Kam-chiu. Photo: SCMP Pictures

"As a member club, we have an obligation to support the Premier League, especially as it is still in its infancy."

Tai Po had just one win from 16 league matches last season.