Even one of the region’s biggest football clubs has been hit hard by the ongoing coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Ceres-Negros FC announced on Wednesday morning that the club owned by Leo Rey Yanson is looking for investors that will continue the operations of the team.
“Ceres-Negros Football Club is currently in talks with investors who will be taking over the management and ownership of the club in preparation for the fourth season of the Philippines Football League as well as the resumption of the campaign in the AFC Cup,” read the team’s statement.
“As soon as the takeover is completed, the club will no longer be known as Ceres-Negros since our current chairman Leo Rey Yanson will not be involved in any way in the affairs of the club.”
The pandemic has stopped the operations of almost all the buses of Vallacar Transit Inc.
Last June 1, the team’s management ended its contracts with its players due to force majeure.
“This is one of the toughest decisions made by Mr. Yanson, whose passion for football was reflected at the way he poured his personal resources and steered the club to unprecedented heights since it was formed eight years ago.
“Through Ceres-Negros FC, Mr. Yanson was able to share his love for the game to his countrymen. While the pandemic has struck hard on businesses all over the world, Ceres has made its best efforts to compensate its players and staff,” the statement added.
Established in 2012, the club has amassed three PFL titles and a UFL crown. Moreover, for three straight years, it has made the prestigious AFC Champions League.
The team will announce in the following days its new owner.
General Manager Ace Bright will be the point person for the planned takeover, as well as the transition to the new management and owners of the club.
