The country’s domestic cup competition returns more than three months after it last took place.
The Philippines Football League announced that the 2022 edition of the Copa Paulino Alcantara is set to take place on March 14 with a doubleheader of Maharlika-Manila going up against defending champion Kaya-Iloilo and United City taking on the Azkals Development Team.
“Football fans have long been starved of a lengthy football season, and it is high time that we have a proper league season which will create rivalries and storylines among the participating clubs,” said Philippine Football Federation President Nonong Araneta.
“The Copa Paulino Alcantara is also the perfect competition for the clubs to get their fitness back in time for the league.”
The competition is going to be played until May 23 which is when the final will take place. Aside from Maharlika, Kaya, United City, and the ADT, other participants include Stallion Laguna, Dynamic Herb Cebu, and Mendiola 1991.
“The past two years have been a challenge for our clubs with the livelihood of the players and officials affected by the pandemic,” save PFF General Secretary Atty. Ed Gastanes. “With the Cup scheduled next month, we will see the return of a healthy football competition, while still adhering to the health and safety protocols.”
The seven clubs will compete in a single-round robin format. The top four sides then enter the semifinals on May 16, 2022. The two winners shall contest the final while the two losing sides will fight for third place.
The rest of the fixture list are the following:
March 21, 2022 – Maharlika vs Mendiola
March 24, 2022 – United City vs Maharlika
March 28, 2022 – ADT vs Mendiola and then Kaya vs United City
March 31, 2022 – Stallion Laguna vs United City
April 4, 2022 – Mendiola 1991 vs United City
April 11, 2022 – Mendiola 1991 vs Kaya and then ADT vs Stallion Laguna
April 18, 2022 – Mendiola 1991 vs Stallion Laguna and then Kaya vs ADT
April 25, 2022 – Stallion Laguna vs Dynamic Herb Cebu and then ADT vs Maharlika
April 28, 2022 – Dynamic Herb Cebu vs ADT
May 2, 2022 – Stallion Laguna vs Kaya and then United City vs Dynamic Herb Cebu
May 5, 2022 – Dynamic Herb Cebu vs Maharlika FC
May 9, 2022 – Dynamic Herb Cebu vs Mendiola 1991 and then Maharlika vs Stallion Laguna
May 12, 2022 – Kaya vs Dynamic Herb Cebu
Talks are being conducted by the PFL to find a suitable broadcaster for the matches. For now, the clubs are now preparing for their upcoming fixtures with strict adherence to health standards as the country is still fending off the COVID-19 pandemic.
“It is important for our participating clubs to gain enough preparation for the upcoming league and cup competitions,” said PFL Commissioner Coco Torre.
“We look forward to the start of the cup, which will reignite the domestic football scene and we also anticipate for the clubs to host their home matches in their respective venues eventually.”
