PFL eyes October 27 season opening subject to few conditions

The Philippines Football League (PFL) is mulling the possibility of opening the 2021 season on October 27 provided that several conditions are met.

In a statement on Thursday, the league said it conducted a series of meetings with the clubs with Philippine Football Federation (PFF) officials to discuss the conditions that will allow them to safely roll out the season.

PFF general secretary Atty. Edwin Gastanes and PFL commissioner Coco Torre said that the easing of the quarantine status of Carmona, Cavite to GCQ or equivalent by October 16 and at least six participating clubs are the two major requirements for the October 27 kickoff.

The league will be under a closed-circuit bubble format at the PFF National Training Center in Cavite, which will be under a more strict MECQ until the 15th.

"PFF is committed to have the PFL 2021 season this year when conditions permit," said Gastanes. "We understand how also important the league is for the clubs, sponsors, and football fans."

PFL also added that clubs provide the league with their proposed accommodation venues for the bubble setup, with provisions for health and safety protocols to be imposed while inside the bubble.

"The PFL season 2021 kickoff remains a primary objective," Torre said. "The staging of the season will help preserve the livelihood of the players, staff, officials and determine the League Standings based on sporting merit."

—Bea Micaller/MGP, GMA News