The Philippines Football League pushed back the opening of the 2021 season to July 17 after cancelling the Copa Paulino Alcantara for the second straight year.
Philippine Football Federation president Nonong Araneta said the PFL took into consideration the current COVID-19 situation and the possible availability of the vaccine later in the year in the decision to shelve the cup competition.
The kickoff date will be held following the Philippine Azkals’ campaign in the second round of the World Cup/Asian Cup Qualifiers slated June in China.
“The (Copa Paulino Alcantara) will not push through this year because of the current situation,” Araneta said. “We decided that we will proceed with the league by 17 July when we have the vaccines rolled out already.”
Initial plans were for the competition named after the great FC Barcelona striker to be held in April and May under a bubble setup, but that hope became difficult when COVID-19 cases increased dramatically in the previous weeks.
Instead, the PFL will push through with its centerpiece league season with an aim at increasing the matches from 28 to 84.
A shortened 2020 season was held last October under a bubble setup in Carmona, Cavite with United City claiming the title.
PFL commissioner Coco Torre said that the number of clubs could increase from six to eight.
“Last year, clubs were only able to play five matches in the bubble season,” Torre said. “With the vaccine set to roll out this year, we look forward to giving the clubs more competitive matches to keep the players physically fit, which will benefit our clubs participating at the domestic level, international competitions and our national team.”