By Adrian Stewart Co

The Philippine Football Federation (PFF) announced the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) will be pushed back due to ongoing concerns surrounding the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19; particularly with the ban on mass gatherings and recently-implemented community quarantine over Metro Manila. After initially scheduled to kick off on Saturday, March 21, the season is now tentatively set to begin on April 18.

“[Our] utmost priority must be accorded to the safety, health, and welfare of the players, coaching staff, match officials, sponsors, and others who are involved in the organization of the matches,” the PFF said in a statement. “[The] PFF and PFL encourage all football stakeholders and the general public to be mindful always of the risks posed by Covid-19, observe recommendations on how to avoid the virus, be safe and healthy during these times, and help the nation combat the spread of Covid-19.”

Ahead of the upcoming season, Qatar Airways was announced as a league sponsor.

This season, Bacolod City-based club Ceres-Negros FC will be looking to win their fourth consecutive PFL title./ASC, WDJ