Filipino football fans will have to wait longer for the Philippines Football League presented by Qatar Airways to resume its operations after the re-imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine on the National Capital Region from August 6-20, 2021.
Philippine Football Federation General Secretary Attorney Ed Gastanes has announced that they have moved the opening of the country’s top-flight league to another date. This is in compliance with the national government’s directive to curb the spread of the Delta variant of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Please be advised that the proposed kick-off of the Philippines Football League scheduled on 21 August 2021 has now been postponed due to the recent IATF announcement that the National Capital Region and several other provinces will again be placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) from 06-20 August 2021,” read the federation’s statement.
“Under ECQ, all physical activities and mass gathering are not allowed. As such, no activities (training or matches) will be conducted meantime.”
Reigning four-time champions United City was set to defend its crown against the likes of Maharlika Manila, Kaya-Iloilo, Mendiola 1991, and Stallion Laguna. Meanwhile, the Azkals Development Team led by coach Scott Cooper would return as a guest team.
Dynamic Herb Cebu will join on a provisional basis. On the other hand, Laos and Rapids of Cagayan de Oro are waiting for their respective go signals from the PFF’s Club Licensing First Instance Body.
“We shall communicate with you the new schedule in due course. Wishing you good health always.”
Aside from the PFL, the PFL Referees Refresher Course for Season 2021, which is held by the PFF Referees Department, is also postponed to a later date to also comply with the IATF’s latest directive.
