You could be forgiven for thinking it was not the middle of summer, such was the speed of the clouds forming across Philippine football as Stallion Laguna and Global Makati issued their statements earlier tonight in Makati City.
In a joint conference, Stallion Laguna manager Ernie Nierras and Global Makati owner Mark Jarvis announced their withdrawal from the 2019 Philippine Premier League season, citing several reasons including procedural snafus, financial inequalities and gross mismanagement. The two gentlemen further elucidated on their concerns and frustrations with the PPL management, including:
1. Opaque and misleading operation procedures, including an insistence from the PPL that they sign a Participation Agreement for the 2019 season without said agreement having PFF approval. Mr. Jarvis mentioned that they had signed the agreement earlier, but upon advice from their lawyers have decided to withdraw from the League until issues have been resolved, while Mr. Nierras mentioned that they had not signed the Agreement on principle due to both the lack of PFF approval and several unclear terms including the rules and regulations.
2. Severe financial deficiencies, including limited economic rights for the clubs, lack of sponsorships for the league, a profit-sharing proposal that is grossly imbalanced(to the tune of 60%/20%/20%) and extraordinary expenses in centralizing the playing schedule, to the tune of PhP1.7 million.
3. Questionable and borderline management actions by the PPL team, including such acts as risking both club licenses by allowing semi-professional and professional clubs in the same and violating AFC league regulations by reverting to a centralized venue set-up. Mr. Nierras also mentioned that the insistence on centralized games would violate a Memorandum of Agreement Stallion has signed with the LGU of Biñan, Laguna, and in his words, “I will not jeopardize my relationship with the fans and the City of Biñan.”
However, the 2 men expressed their hope that all these issues would be resolved in a proper manner, imploring the PFF to step in and help solve the fiasco happening at the moment, being willing to meet with all stakeholders to find a solution. They also emphasized that Stallion and Global are ready to play as soon as “a national competition recognized by the PFF” is open. They were also quick to note that their playing rosters are not available to be swooped on, and that they are keeping them together.
As of press time, Global Makati have released an official statement regarding this matter and Stallion Laguna are releasing a formal statement next week.
