By Adrian Stewart Co

After being delayed due to a typhoon and some players testing positive for coronavirus disease 2019, or Covid-19, the 2020 Philippines Football League (PFL) will begin today with a double-header at the Philippine Football Federation National Training Center in Cavite.

PFF National President Mariano Araneta said that the “PFL Bubble” will finally commence with defending champions United City Football Club taking on Azkals Developmental Team at 4:30 p.m. and Kaya Futbol Club-Iloilo facing Maharlika Manila FC at 8:00 p.m.

“This is a big moment for everyone in the football community. We appreciate the collective effort from the PFF, the clubs, and most important, the Games and Amusements Board and the city government of Santa Rosa, Laguna,” Araneta said.

On Saturday evening, PFL commissioner Coco Torre announced the postponement of season opener last Sunday due to inclement weather brought by Tropical Depression “Quinta.”

Torre also announced that nine individuals, players and coaches from two football clubs tested positive for Covid-19 and were already isolated.

Just like in the previous League tournaments, the champion squad will be determined based on the accumulated points after the single-round robin competition among the six competing football clubs.

The champion of this year’s PFL season will get an outright spot in the Asian Football Confederation Champions League group stages, while the runner-up will enter the AFCCL qualifying phase./ASC, WDJ