PFL postpones opening due to typhoon; 9 test positive for Covid-19

The Philippines Football League (PFL) has postponed its scheduled 2020 season opener on Sunday, Oct. 25, at the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.

In a statement on Saturday evening, Oct. 24, the PFL said that the postponement of the season opener was due to the anticipated inclement weather brought by Tropical Depression “Quinta.”

“The Philippines Football League is postponing its kickoff initially scheduled for Sunday 25 October 2020 to a few days later,” it said. “Inclement weather is expected which may lead to disruption of the three matches scheduled for Matchday 1.”

Supposed Sunday matches feature Azkals Developmental League and Mendiola 1991 FC at 9:00 a.m., Kaya Futbol ClubIloilo and Stallion Laguna FC at 4:00 p.m. and United City Football Club and Maharlika Manila FC at 8:00 p.m.

In a related development, PFL commissioner Coco Torre said that nine individuals from two football club have tested positive for the coronavirus disease 2019, or Covid-19, and were isolated.

According to Torre, five players and a coach first tested positive during the RT PCR/swab tests conducted on October 16 and 21 prior to their entry to the league's “bubble” in Seda Nuvali in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

The PFL commissioner added that further tests were conducted on Saturday to those with close contacts with the six and three of them also tested positive for Covid-19.

“We have anticipated this scenario hence there is a set of health and safety protocols in place for incidents such as this. What is important is that all continue to adhere with the protocols which are aimed to prevent or minimize the spread of the virus,” Torre said.

“We put emphasis on the safety of each and every individual in the bubble, whether player, staff, or match official,” said PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes. “We understand the current situation and with participants' strict compliance with bubblespecific protocols, we hope to push through with kickoff in a few days.”/