WHILE the start of their season was moved to later this month, Philippine Premier League (PPL) commissioner Bernie Sumayao is hoping that it would not deter fans from giving their support, seeing how their involvement is key in the success of the revamped local club league.
In a phone patch interview with the “Football Connection” program on Radyo Pilipinas last week, Mr. Sumayao said it was unfortunate that they had to defer the start of the season of the PPL to a later date but made an assurance that the issues are being worked out to ensure that the rescheduled April 27 PPL kickoff would push through even as he asked for fans’ patience as well as support for their teams come tournament time.
The season start, which was supposed to happen on March 30, was cancelled after the Philippine Football Federation (PFF) refused to grant Mendiola FC 1991 and Philippine Air Force FC a license to compete in the league after pertinent requirements are met.
They were given added time to resubmit their documentation for club licensing.
“Mendiola and Air Force have requirements that they still needed to submit to the PFF. They were in the process of gathering the things that were needed but they just did not have enough time to finish everything. But we sat down and the PFF gave them enough time to resubmit. And we expect them to finish in the next few weeks,” the amiable Sumayao said.
“We were ready to start on the 30th of March but things happen. We are ready to start on April 27. If we can get six teams at least we will start,” he added.
Initially there were three teams denied club licensing by the PFF, but Green Archers United FC was eventually given a provisional license.
Mr. Sumayao said they at the PPL are hoping to see fans during the matches at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium to help the league survive and, in turn, further the growth of the local football scene by promoting, among other teams, homegrown talents.
“I’m asking the fans to go out and support their teams. Let’s cheer for them. Everything we need to do let’s do it. Let’s create noise for the community to be heard,” Mr. Sumayao said.
The PPL official went on to say that they will work hard to ensure that they deliver on their promise of making the matches a fan-friendly experience with innovative and exciting ways of presenting the games.
Other teams set to compete in the PPL are Ceres-Negros FC, Kaya FC–Iloilo, Stallion Laguna and United Makati. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo
