Only five clubs will compete in the 2021 Copa Paulino Alcantara.
United City has announced that it will not participate in the third edition of the tournament, Sunday.
“We wish the PFL and all other clubs good luck in the competition, while we get our house ready to defend our PFL title in the upcoming 2022 season,” said the defending Philippines Football League champions.
Last week, the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced that it will postpone the PFL to early 2022. Instead, the Copa will take place.
Six teams were announced that will compete in the cup tournament that is slated to begin on November 7 – namely United City, Kaya-Iloilo, Mendiola 1991, Stallion-Laguna, Azkals Development Team, and Dynamic Herb Cebu.
UCFC was originally grouped with Stallion-Laguna and Dynamic Herb Cebu in Group A. With UCFC’s withdrawal, only two teams will compete in that pool.
“Although with sadness, we understand the decision made by United City FC to not compete in this year’s Copa Paulino Alcantara based on the reasons they have shared with us,” said Commissioner Coco Torre.
“With that said, we are still eagerly anticipating the start of the Cup, which will push through with five participating clubs.”
Torre added the plate final has also been removed due to the absence of a third-placed team in Group A.
Pool play is still scheduled on November 7, 10, and 13. Meanwhile, the knockout playoffs are originally scheduled from November 16-19.
