DEVELOPMENT of Philippine football is set to get added push with the establishment of a “truly national and professional league” in the country -- the Philippines Football League (PFL) -- which one football analyst describes as the “next logical step.”
Formally launched last Friday at the Shangri-La at the Fort, the PFL is the culmination of what proponents said is four years of making a dream of taking the growth of the sport of football to another plane a reality.
“We are bringing the passion and the love for the Beautiful Game to different parts of the country with the PFL,” said Philippine Football Federation (PFF) President Mariano “Nonong” Araneta at the league’s launch last week.
“This is a dream come true for all of us involved in this project. We appreciate the time, effort and resources put in by the clubs to make the PFL possible. We’ve taken the next step for Philippine football.”
Planned and organized by the PFF with help from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the International Football Federation (FIFA), the PFL in its maiden season will see eight pioneering teams.
The teams, most of whom were staples in the Manila-based United Football League (UFL), are Global-Cebu FC, Ceres-Negros FC, Kaya FC Makati, FC Meralco Manila, Stallion Laguna FC, JPV Marikina FC, Ilocos United FC and Davao Aguilas. They will have two rounds of home-and-away matches.
The PFF said the newly formed league will be the basis of nomination for AFC club competitions, particularly the AFC Champions League and the AFC Cup, where Global and Ceres are currently seeing action.
“We pray all stakeholders -- club owners, players, coaches, match officials, fans and sports media will all help in growing and nurturing the league,” PFF General-Secretary Edwin Gastanes said as he ushered in the league with much excitement and hope.
LOGICAL STEP
For football analyst Ryan Fenix, for all the sport has gained in recent years, the PFL is a concept whose time is very ripe.
“The PFL is the next logical step in the evolution of Philippine football. A true national league, involving teams all over the Philippines, and not just from teams based in Manila, is the true way forward,” said Mr. Fenix, resident football analyst of interaksyon.com and author of the column “Rampaging Fullback,” in an interview with BusinessWorld.
“Add to the fact that the traditional football hotbeds are not found in Manila, it is therefore a no-brainer to have the PFL succeed the UFL,” added the analyst.
Having seen how the reception to football has been good in areas outside the metro, Mr. Fenix, who also contributes for ESPN FC, believes the PFL has the potential to succeed.
“Potential [of the PFL] is extremely high. Having been to Bacolod and seeing firsthand the passion of the supporters would make you believe and dream that the success of the PFL is within reach, given, of course that the PFF and all stakeholders work hand in hand for its success,” Mr. Fenix said.
Adding, “Sustainability is the key -- can all the eight teams continue and sustain their operations, both on and off the field?”
Match Day 1 of the PFL will take place on May 6 with Kaya taking on Ceres at 4 p.m. at the University of Makati while Stallion faces off with FC Meralco at 7 p.m. at the Biñan Football Stadium.
The PFL has partnered with People’s Television Network (PTV) for the airing of two live matches every weekend. The live matches will be aired on Saturday and Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
