Fewer foreigners in UFL this time

THE UNITED Football League will have fewer foreign players seeing action for clubs starting this season based on the limit set by the Asian Football Confederation.

Acting on a directive from the Philippine Football Federation, UFL clubs will only have five foreign players in their lineups, four of whom can be listed in the 18-man roster for matchday. One of the four foreign players should be an Asian player.

The old rule allows an unlimited number of players in the matchday squad but limits five foreign players on the pitch at any given time.

“We have to follow the AFC directive since we are also participating in the AFC Cup,” said PFF general secretary Ed Gastanes. “This decision will benefit our homegrown players as they will now have more opportunities to get slots with UFL teams.”

Ceres-La Salle and Kaya will represent the country in the AFC Cup starting next month.

Gastanes said players based abroad who signed for UFL clubs will also be required to submit an International Transfer Certificate that clears them from any commitment with their previous clubs.

“They should be registered with the PFF, otherwise they cannot play in the UFL,” Gastanes said.

The UFL season starts Feb. 6 with the UFL Cup at Rizal Memorial Stadium.