The answer is likely to be nine with the news that HKFC are set to remain in the league. There had been some uncertainty over the future of the club as
the first team had operated overbudget in the past season.
After some restructuring, Offside has learned that HKFC members voted to approve a resolution
which would see the first team operate on a leaner budget in the coming season. A source inside the club has told Offside that there will an overhaul of the squad in the transfer window and that
the spine of the team will consist of local players next season.
Club management were frustrated with the HKFA’s decision to reschedule two of the club’s matches in May to midweek. They felt that this was an unfair ask of the semi-professional side, who’s players work during the day and many of whom could not play near the back end of the season due to injuries.
In spite of the club’s semi-professional status,
management were unhappy with the first team’s performances overall compared to the season before. These factors have to led to concern about the sustainability of the endeavour.
https://www.offside.hk/league/premier-league-rocked-as-two-clubs-pull-out/