The 2022–23 Sapling Cup (named as JC Sapling Cup for sponsorship reasons) is the 8th edition of the Sapling Cup. The competition is contested by the 10 teams in the 2022–23 Hong Kong Premier League. Each team is required to field a minimum of three players born on or after 1 January 2001 (U-22) and a maximum of six foreign players during every whole match, with no more than five foreign players on the pitch at the same time.
Eastern are the defending champions, but were eliminated in the semi-finals. Southern became the champions for the first time after beating Lee Man in the final.
The champions of the Jockey Club Sapling Cup will receive HKD$120,000 in prize money, and HKD$100,000 donation to the champions' specified organization. Meanwhile, the runner-up will receive HKD$60,000, and HKD$50,000 donation to the runner-up's specified organization. In addition, the two losing teams in the semi-finals will receive HK$30,000 while the remaining teams will receive HK$15,000.
In addition, the best U-22 player in each team will receive a prize of HKD$3,000. The most outstanding U-22 player among the selected best U-22 players from each team will receive an additional HKD$5,000 for being the best of all the U-22 players.[1]
Format
The participating teams were divided into two groups for a double round-robin tournament. Top two teams in each group advance to the semi-finals.
Source: Hong Kong Football Association Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored.
Source: Hong Kong Football Association Rules for classification: 1) Points; 2) Head-to-head points; 3) Head-to-head goal difference; 4) Goal difference; 5) Goals scored.
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