Qatar Airways-backed Season Kickoff Set October 25
After the necessary process of crafting protocols and securing government clearance, the Philippines Football League brought to you by Qatar Airways finally kicks off its fourth season on October 25 in a bubble at the PFF National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
The stage is set for the league to hold its competition under the bubble setup that will see clubs housed at Seda Nuvali and playing in a compressed season.
“I know that this has been a long, tedious journey for all of us,” said PFF president Mariano Araneta during a press conference on Wednesday. “Hopefully, we will have a successful league. We are doing it in the bubble-type league. I think everyone is prepared and ready to play.”
“We are here because of the help from the national government, the clubs, and they, together with the league are being pushed by the most important person in football, which are the fans,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “It is a big investment for PFF and PFL, and we hope we can have a successful fourth season of the PFL.”
Araneta thanked sponsor Qatar Airways and the six participating clubs for their cooperation as the league finally gets off the ground after being shelved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The PFF chief also expressed his gratitude to FIFA for its assistance and the Games and Amusements Board (GAB) for its efforts that allowed the 2020 PFL season to push through.
“It was chairman Baham Mitra who really helped us to start the practice sessions of the clubs,” said Araneta. “Now, we are about to start the season.”
Araneta also announced the partnership with One Play Sports as digital content partner. He said the league is also finalizing a deal to air matches ok cable channel EXP TV.
Mitra lauded the PFF and PFL’s efforts in making sure that protocols are in place to minimize the risk of COVID-19.
“We are glad to be of help to the PFL in their efforts to start their season,” said Mitra.
GAB safety officer Kara Mallonga assured that the PFL went above and beyond in coming up with protocols.
“I’d like to thank the PFF,” said Mallonga. “They were very compliant and they went above and beyond. I’d like to assure all stakeholders of the PFL that your leadership went above and beyond the health standards.”
PFL commissioner Coco Torre also announced the slight change in format as the league goes into a single round robin competition with the team with the most points winning the crown.
“Initially, we announced for a finals series after the single-leg round-robin. But the teams met last Sunday, they were discussing key factors such as player fatigue and physical fitness given the fact that for seven months, there was no football at all. We decided to reduce the number of matches so that we avoid long-term injuries,” said Torre.
The clubs will undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test on October 16 before entering the bubble in Seda Nuvali on October 21. Players and match officials will have another round of RT-PCR testing upon entry in the hotel where they will be under quarantine until the results come in.
The league will have 15 matches, where each club will play five matches. Kickoff times are at 9 a.m., 4:30 p.m. and 8 p.m.
“We don’t want to play a lot of matches in a compressed situation that’s why we removed the three matches to determine the league through standings,” said Torre. “What’s unique is that we’re the only ones in a semi bubble and our type of competition is centralized hosted in a centralized venue.”
The Azkals Development Team and Mendiola FC clash in the opening match at 9 a.m. followed by Stallion Laguna FC against Kaya FC-Iloilo at 4:30 p.m.
The third match will be between newly formed club Maharlika Manila FC and defending champion United City FC at 8 p.m.