PFL opening postponed to Sept. 25

United Clark will have to wait for another month before it can begin its PFL title defense. AFC (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--The PFL is now looking to open its 2021 season sometime next month due to rising COVID-19 cases within Mega Manila.

The league announced on Monday night that it is now eyeing to start the domestic football year tentatively by Sept. 25 barring some more developments amid the pandemic.

The PFL was supposed to start the season this Saturday, but with Carmona and the rest of Cavite placed under modified enhanced community quarantine until the end of August and the fate of Metro Manila's lockdown status, set to end on Friday, still pending, the postponement has to be made.

"The league prioritizes the health and safety of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and other stakeholders involved in the organization of the matches," the Philippine Football Federation, which is operating the PFL, said in a statement.

The PFL is likely once again to hold its season at the PFF National Training Centre in Carmona but this time in a closed-circuit transportation format that would see the footballers going to the pitch straight from their homes and vice versa.

The PFF also calls on everyone to continue practicing the minimum health standards amid the pandemic.

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