The Azkals Development team has decided to pull the plug on its campaign in the on-going Philippine Football League, announcing the team’s withdrawal from the league on Tuesday, May 23.
The PFL confirmed that it has already accepted the decision of ADT, which is composed of players from the national youth team, to pull out, forfeiting its remaining matches in the tournament and resulting in 3-0 victories for its opponents. “The Philippines Football League announces that Azkals Development Team (ADT) will cease to participate in the ongoing PFL Season 2022/23 following its decision to withdraw from its participation in the PFL,” said the league in a statement. “ADT has already notified the league, as well as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), of its decision and as such, all remaining fixtures of ADT will result in a 0-3 forfeit win in favor of their opponents,” added the league. ADT, which was sitting at the fourth spot of the standings with 24 points on seven wins, three draws, and 14 losses prior to its pull out, cited that ‘the events’ in recent weeks led the team to the decision. “With a heavy heart, the Azkals Development Team announces its withdrawal from the Philippines Football League effective immediately,” said the club in its statement. “ADT was formed to complement the Philippine Football Federation's efforts to continuously prepare young Filipino athletes for international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games.” “While our entire organization would have preferred to be in a more optimal situation, events imposed upon us in recent weeks have compelled us to take this action,” it added. Members of the ADT suited up for the national team in the recently concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games but ended up placing last in its group with only a goal to show. Despite the decision, ADT insisted that it remains committed to youth development through the Azkals Development Academy. With the withdrawal, the race to the PFL title gets tighter between Kaya FC Iloilo and Dynamic Herb Cebu with the latter, following the forfeiture of its game against ADT, drawing closer to the former. Dynamic Herb improved to 50 points, just two points behind Kaya which will be seeing action in a potential title clincher against Stallion on Saturday, May 27 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
*Azkals Development team (PFF photo)
*The PFL confirmed that it has already accepted the decision of ADT, which is composed of players from the national youth team, to pull out, forfeiting its remaining matches in the tournament and resulting in 3-0 victories for its opponents. “The Philippines Football League announces that Azkals Development Team (ADT) will cease to participate in the ongoing PFL Season 2022/23 following its decision to withdraw from its participation in the PFL,” said the league in a statement. “ADT has already notified the league, as well as the Philippine Football Federation (PFF), of its decision and as such, all remaining fixtures of ADT will result in a 0-3 forfeit win in favor of their opponents,” added the league. ADT, which was sitting at the fourth spot of the standings with 24 points on seven wins, three draws, and 14 losses prior to its pull out, cited that ‘the events’ in recent weeks led the team to the decision. “With a heavy heart, the Azkals Development Team announces its withdrawal from the Philippines Football League effective immediately,” said the club in its statement. “ADT was formed to complement the Philippine Football Federation's efforts to continuously prepare young Filipino athletes for international competitions, including the Southeast Asian Games.” “While our entire organization would have preferred to be in a more optimal situation, events imposed upon us in recent weeks have compelled us to take this action,” it added. Members of the ADT suited up for the national team in the recently concluded 32nd Southeast Asian Games but ended up placing last in its group with only a goal to show. Despite the decision, ADT insisted that it remains committed to youth development through the Azkals Development Academy. With the withdrawal, the race to the PFL title gets tighter between Kaya FC Iloilo and Dynamic Herb Cebu with the latter, following the forfeiture of its game against ADT, drawing closer to the former. Dynamic Herb improved to 50 points, just two points behind Kaya which will be seeing action in a potential title clincher against Stallion on Saturday, May 27 at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.