The viability of the inaugural Hong Kong Premier League, due to be launched in September, "is hanging in the balance, with several clubs reluctant to commit to the new format," according to Chan Kin-wa of the SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST. Prospective teams "have been given until the end of this month to submit their applications" to the Hong Kong FA for club licenses. FA officials "are not sure they can secure the minimum eight teams needed to form the league." So far, only six teams "are likely starters:" Kitchee, South China, Eastern Salon, Sun Pegasus, Yuen Long and Yokohama FC. FA CEO Mark Sutcliffe admitted that "they were still waiting for confirmation." Sutcliffe: "That's the target [to have a minimum eight teams in the Premier League], but it's not for me to second guess what the clubs will do." Sun Hei President Chow Man-leung said that the sudden withdrawal of Southern "had made an impact on their own position." Chow: "We are still working on the financial side of joining the Premier League but, unfortunately, a possible deal with a new major sponsor fell through recently." Mainland beverage firm Sunray Cave have told Sun Hei that "they will not be continuing their sponsorship" (SCMP, 5/26).
