Barring no further unforeseen circumstances, the 2020 bubble season of the Philippines Football League sponsored by Qatar Airways shall commence on Wednesday at the PFF National Training Center in Cavite.
The major development was announced first by Games and Amusement Board Chairman Baham Mitra himself, who shared the big news on his Twitter account.
“PFL to start League with 6 teams (less positive players) on Wednesday in coordination and approval of LGUs of Santa Rosa and Carmona,” he said.
The sudden announcement marked a turning point from yesterday’s big news. The league had postponed its opening due to inclement weather brought about by Typhoon Quinta. Furthermore, nine individuals tested positive for the coronavirus disease in the league’s initial tests on October 16 and 21 after entering the league’s quarters at the Seda Hotel in Santa Rosa, Laguna.
PFF Broadcast and Productions head Cedelf Tupas also shared the big news while interviewing various players from the league in a Zoom online conference in the league’s official Facebook page. The Bacolod-native shared word from PFL Commissioner Coco Torre that “the virus has been contained” and that the games are set to push through on Wednesday.
There is still no word, though, regarding schedule changes due to the postponement of matchday one or the new end date of the competition’s 2020 season. What is important is that the games shall begin and that their bubble remains intact.
Without a doubt, the formal commencement of the PFL will be a big push for the resumption of sports in the Philippines amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. It could also be a big boost for football in the country, since other tournaments can potentially adopt the league’s protocols.
