MANILA, Philippines–The Philippines Football League is exploring the possibility of setting up a bubble environment as one of the two options for its planned start to the 2020 season at PFF National Training Centre in Carmona, Cavite.
Speaking at the PSA Forum webcast on Tuesday, PFL commissioner Coco Torre bared the league’s plans to hold at least a shortened competition kicking off in October.
Torre admitted that the bubble setup is feasible for the PFL as there are hotels surrounding the match venue in Carmona. But the youthful league chief said they also have to consider the costs for mounting the bubble.
“There are two options,” said Torre. “We can go in the bubble for a month or battle COVID-19 through frequent testing.”
Araneta said the PFF can help augment the league’s expenses, which they can source out from the FIFA’s COVID-19 aid to member associations.
“We will try our best to bring back football hopefully in a month’s time,” said Araneta, who secured a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Qatar Airways for the PFL early this year. Part of the sponsorship agreement is to have matches on television, Araneta said.
Torre said the PFL can also pour its resources on more testing for players while the season is ongoing.
Three of the five PFL clubs are set to train Wednesday with the league hoping to get approval from the Inter Agency Task Force for a restart within the month.
United City Football Club, Kaya, and Stallion are the first clubs to return to the field. The Azkals Development Team and Mendiola FC are also seeing action this season, while newcomer Maharlika is looking to secure its professional license on Wednesday.
Torre is urging teams to practice “due diligence” in hopes of finally bringing the action back. “Cooperation is vital on what we are trying to achieve,” said Torre.
“’The players in each club have their own responsibility to make sure that (they) are following safety protocols,” added Araneta.