Guangzhou R&F ponders HK soccer future after barren run

Guangzhou R&F, the richest club in the Hong Kong Premier League, are threatening to leave the competition having failed to win a trophy in each of their four seasons in Hong Kong, RTHK reports.

The mainland club have reportedly spent over HK$50 million in each of the past two seasons and a total of HK$100 million since they joined the Hong Kong top flight in 2016.

R&F were in good position to win their first Hong Kong Premier League title when they topped the table before the pandemic. The team faltered after the restart and finished in third place following a goalless draw against Eastern in the final game of the 2019-20 season.

The team's players, including former Hong Kong international Lo Kwan-yee, have expressed concerns about their future with the club.

Sources close to the league say R&F are set leave, though the club have yet to make an official announcement.

R&F's absence means the number of teams in the upcoming 2020-21 season is down to eight.-Photo: Facebook