MANILA – The rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in the Philippines, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), prompted the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) to move the opening of the Philippines Football League (PFL) season 2021.
The PFL’s 2021 season is supposed to begin on August 21 but moved to September 25 due to a possible extension of enhanced community quarantine in the NCR and its surrounding areas.
“The league prioritizes the health and safety of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and other stakeholders involved in the organization of the matches,” the PFL said on Monday night.
The PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite, will be the league’s primary venue while the Biñan Football Stadium in Laguna, is being eyed as another option.
Bannering the teams competing in the upcoming season were defending champion United City Football Club and 2020 PFL season runner up Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo, both fresh from their stints in the 2021 Asian Football Confederation Champions League.
Also returning for the season were the Azkals Developmental Team, Stallion-Laguna Football Club, Maharlika Manila Football Club, and Mendiola Football Club 1991.
There will also be newcomers in Dynamic Herb Cebu Football Club, which secured a provisionary license from the league. Laos Football Club and Rapids Football Club are still waiting for PFL’s approval.
Meanwhile, the PFF and PFL officials urged the football fans to continue practicing the minimum health and safety protocols in their communities to help combat the spread of the virus./PN
