In another dramatic turn of events, the Philippine Football Federation severed their agreement with Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd. headed by Philippine Premier League Chairman Bernie Sumayao which cancels the operation of the PPL.
As of May 4, 2019, the Philippine Premier League will no longer proceed and that the PFF will be taking the matters in their own hands to continue the 2019 national league season to give chance for clubs to participate in the 2020 AFC competitions and years to come. See the full statement below:
“The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) has terminated on 03 May 2019 its agreement with league operator, Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd. with immediate effect. The decision carries full approval from the PFF Board of Governors led by its president Mariano Araneta, Jr.PFF has notified Triple CH Holdings Co. Ltd., its chairman Bernard Sumayao, and the current five (5) licensed clubs, namely Ceres Negros FC, Kaya FC-Iloilo, Stallion Laguna FC, Global Cebu FC, and Green Archers United FC, about the PFF decision.
PFF is taking steps to ensure the continuation of the 2019 national league season. A meeting with the clubs, including those which have earlier withdrawn their participation from Philippine Premier League (Stallion Laguna FC, Global Cebu FC, and Ceres Negros FC) had already been scheduled. The league reverts to its official name, Philippines Football League. Kick-off will be scheduled middle of May 2019.
Further announcements will be made soon, including information on the tournament regulations for 2019 season which will be made available to all stakeholders. PFF assures the football community and everyone that the league will continue its deliberate strides to be a successful national league, one which inspires young footballers in the country and one whose winners are eligible for nomination by PFF to compete in AFC competitions in 2020 and the years to come.”
With the announcement, some people might say that club football in the Philippines has just faced it’s darkest days while others can say that they are finally seeing a light at the end of this dark tunnel. Should the Philippine Football Federation be able to turn things around for this season, this will bring in more supporters and stakeholders that will help the sport grow even bigger here in the country.
