United Clark begs off from joining 2nd half of PFL season

United Clark confirmed that it is not joining the PFL restart. PFL (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Defending PFL champion United Clark announced on Thursday that it will not push through with its participation in the second half of the season, which will begin this weekend.

In a statement on Thursday, the club said that it is currently in a legal battle with a Singapore-based investment group.

"United City Football Club would like to announce that it has requested the Philippine Football Federation to grant the club 'non-participation' for the remaining 2022-23 Philippines Football League [matches] while the club awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings in Singapore against its investor Riau Capital Live," United Clark said.

The club accused RCL of failing to bankroll them, which affected the players' payroll.

"Since RCL also failed to honor the agreed final settlement deadlines earlier this month, it has now forced UCFC to temporarily discontinue its professional football team operations and to withdraw its team from the remainder of the 2022-23 PFL season," United Clark further said.

Amid speculations that it might fold for good after releasing almost all its players, though, the Capas-based squad clarified it still intends to return next season once it finally settles the score with its former investment partner.

"Following its request for non-participation, UCFC has committed to the PFF that legal actions are being pursued to retrieve the investment and to settle the club's current liabilities while UCFC intends to return to PFF competitions for the 2023-24 season," the club further stated.

United Clark then thanked PFF president Nonong Araneta, secretary-general Ed Gastanes, and PFL commissioner Coco Torre "for their support and guidance in order for UCFC to manage the complicated process."

United Clark is supposed to play right at the restart of the PFL season on Saturday in a road game against Mendiola at the City of Imus Grandstand.

The league has yet to announce as of posting how United Clark's begging off will affect the schedule for the second half of the season.

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