MANILA – The Philippines Football League (PFL) pushed back the opening of its fourth season tentatively on April 18 from its original schedule of March 21 due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in the country.
The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) said that the recommendation of the inter-agency task force on COVID-19 to prohibit mass gatherings and the declaration of community quarantine in Metro Manila prompted the suspension of the PFL kick-off.
“Utmost priority must be accorded to the safety, health, and welfare of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and others who are involved in the organization of the matches,” the PFF said in a statement.
“PFF and PFL encourage all football stakeholders and the general public to be mindful always of the risks posed by COVID-19, observe the recommendations on how to avoid the virus, be safe and healthy during these times, and to help the nation combat the spread of COVID-19,” it added.
PFL was all set to begin its fourth season with optimism following the entry of Qatar Airways as the title sponsor.
Ceres–Negros Football Club is aiming for its fourth consecutive league championship this season, while its regional rival Kaya Futbol Club–Iloilo will try to end its streak./PN
