Clean State Aims for Hong Kong Premier League Return with Doubled Budget and Star Signings
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Clean State FC held its new season press conference on August 16, announcing a major investment backed by Huajing Sports with a projected budget of HK$3-4 million, more than double last season's allocation. The club has assembled an experienced squad featuring former Hong Kong national team players, with the explicit goal of finishing in the top two positions to earn promotion back to the Hong Kong Premier League. The team plans to train at facilities in Meizhou while building towards the September start of the First Division season.
Key Points
- Clean State withdrew from the Hong Kong Premier League after the 2023-24 season, ending a four-year tenure in the top flight
- Huajing Sports operates a large training base in Dingnan, Jiangxi, and its Meizhou Wuhua Huajing team competes in China's semi-professional League
- New signings include former Hong Kong internationals Keogh O'Neill (43 goals last season), Lee Hong-lim, and Wah, plus former Eastern goalkeeper Liu Fu-yuen
- The club has committed to a "promote only if qualified" principle, refusing to advance without meeting competitive standards
- Clean State and Kowloon City maintain their five-year joint youth development programme regardless of promotion outcomes
Why It Matters
The club's aggressive recruitment strategy and regional partnership with Huajing Sports signal a growing cross-border dimension in Hong Kong football, potentially exposing local players to higher-level competition in mainland China's professional system while reshaping the competitive landscape of Hong Kong's second tier .
The club's aggressive recruitment strategy and regional partnership with Huajing Sports signal a growing cross-border dimension in Hong Kong football, potentially exposing local players to higher-level competition in mainland China's professional system while reshaping the competitive landscape of Hong Kong's second tier .