Ceres-Negros changes ownership, to be renamed United City Football Club

The Ceres-Negros Football Club will change its name to United City FC following the transfer of ownership to a group of private investors managed by MMC Sportz Asia.

In a statement, MMC Sportz Asia CEO Eric Gottschalk said the club intends to continue participating in the Philippine Football League and the AFC Cup.

Sixteen players from the original team committed to play for United City, which also plans to retain Coach Risto Risto Vidakovic, General Manager Ace Bright and his staff.

"The aim is to keep the team and staff together as much as possible, and allow them the well-deserved chance to continue to play football amid all the challenges that everyone has been facing," Gottschalk said.

The club announced it was in talks with potential buyers two weeks ago, as the coronavirus pandemic severely affected businesses in the transportation sector.

Leo Rey Yanson, president of the bus company Ceres Transport, had to make the tough decision of selling the team.

Gottschalk said the new ownership plans to "honor the legacy" that Yanson paved in supporting the Ceres-Negros FC.

"We will try to continue the development of Philippines football, especially the professional league and the National Team," he said. —MGP, GMA News