Amidst the worsening COVID-19 situation in the country, the Philippines Football League announced a new provisional day, which it hopes shall be when the nation’s top-flight domestic competition kicks off yet again.
“The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has postponed the kick-off date of the Philippines Football League (PFL) Season 2021 from the original date of 21 August 2021 to a tentative date of 25 September 2021 due to the continuing spread of COVID-19 and the reimposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region (NCR) and its surrounding areas,” read the brief statement from the league’s official website.
The announcement is a positive development for the PFL as it shall parade two AFC Champions League clubs in its upcoming season for the first time in its history after the exploits of reigning champions United City Football Club and Kaya Football Club-Iloilo in the 2021 edition of Asia’s most prestigious club tournament.
Aside from United City and Kaya, the likes of the Azkals Development Team headed by coach Scott Cooper, Stallion Laguna Football Club, Maharlika Manila Football Club, Mendiola FC 1991 are set to return. Dynamic Herb Cebu Football Club is set to join on a provisional basis while the likes of LAOS FC and Rapids FC of Cagayan de Oro are still waiting for the go signal.
“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. PFF and PFL officials also urge everyone to continue practicing the minimum health and safety protocols in their communities to help the nation combat the spread of the virus,” furthered the statement.
The PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite, is set to be the league’s primary venue just like its previous edition while the Binan Football Stadium in Binan, Laguna is being eyed as another option.
