9 teams to vie in inaugural Phl Football League tourney

As many as nine teams could take part in the newly formed Philippines Football League (PFL), which is set to kick off its maiden competition in March or April this year.

“There are nine groups that have already signified their intention to join the league,” Philippine Football Federation (PFF) president Nonong Araneta told The

STAR yesterday. According to the PFF chief, top United Football League clubs like Global, Ceres, Stallion, Loyola Meralco Sparks, Kaya, Green Archers United and JP Voltes have sought to be among the PFL’s pioneers.

Additionally, he said Jeff Cheng, current team manager of the Phl Under-22 team, and a group of Australians based in Phl, want to get franchises as well.

“It’s a good indication ( for the new league),” said Araneta. “What’s also important is we maintain competitiveness in the league.”

The PFL is patterned after the Australian League model, which features a league tournament then the Top 4 teams will progress to the finals series.

It will become the top- tier football league in the country, supplanting the UFL. Participating clubs will have home stadiums all over the country, from Biñan, Laguna, Cebu, Bacolod, Emparador Stadium, and possibly Iloilo and Davao. The Aussie group wants to establish a club in Ilocos, according to Araneta.

The PFF prexy said they are already in the process of forming the corporation that will run the league composed of the PFF, the club members, and one group that will take care of marketing and commercial rights.

“We’ll be forming the corporation by this week or next week,” said Araneta.