The 2021–22 Hong Kong Third Division League was the 8th season of Hong Kong Third Division since it became the fourth-tier football league in Hong Kong in 2014–15.[1] The season began on 29 September 2021.
Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic
On 5 January 2022, the Hong Kong government announced a tightening of social distancing measures between 7 January to 20 January in order to control the Omicron outbreak.[2] Public recreation facilities, such as football pitches, were closed and members of the public were barred from gathering in groups of more than two, making it impossible for the season to continue. The Hong Kong Football Association announced on the same day that it would also postpone any scheduled matches in the successive two week period.
After the measures were extended several times in the following weeks, the government announced on 22 February that it would extend the measures until 20 April, making it nearly impossible to complete the season before most player contracts expired on 31 May.[3] The HKFA held an emergency meeting with the clubs on 25 February, after which it was determined that the remainder of the season would be cancelled.[4]
Format
Promotion and relegation were suspended during the 2020–21 season and the season was shortened to a single round-robin due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong.[5] As a result, all 16 teams from the previous season were permitted to remain during the 2021–22 season and four additional teams were approved for play.
During the 2021–22 season, the Third Division will also be played as a single round-robin.[6]
Updated to match(es) played on 19 December 2021. Source: Hong Kong Football Association Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Head-to-head goals scored; 5) Goal difference; 6) Goals scored; 7) Fair-play points; 8) Drawing lots (P) Promoted; (W) Withdrew