Last year’s Philippines Football League champion United City has elected not to take part in the Copa Paulino Alcantara which starts Saturday, Nov. 7 at the National Training Center in Carmona, Cavite.
The club said in a short statement posted on its social media accounts that it decided to skip the domestic cup competition to focus on preparations for the 2022 PFL campaign.
“This is to announce that UCFC has decided not to participate in the Copa Paulino Alcantara,” United City said. “We wish the PFL and all other clubs good luck in the competition, while we get our house ready to defend our PFL title in the upcoming 2022 season.”
United City was supposed to take part in Group A alongside Stallion-Laguna and Dynamic Herb-Cebu, a new club which was granted provisional license by the Philippine Football Federation.
But UCFC’s absence leaves the Copa with just five clubs, including Group B sides Kaya-Iloilo, Azkals Development Team and Mendiola FC 1991.
PFL commissioner Coco Torre said the Copa will push through with the same format which will see Stallion and Cebu contest the top spot in Group A.
“Although with sadness, we understand the decision made by United City FC to not compete in this year’s Copa Paulino Alcantara based on the reasons they have shared with us,” said Torre.
“With that said, we are still eagerly anticipating the start of the Cup, which will push through with five participating clubs,” he added.
The Copa winner will be nominated to a second slot in AFC club competitions next year.
United City is nominated for the first slot, being PFL champions in 2020.