MANILA, Philippines–Maharlika FC, a club co-founded by former Filipino international Anton Del Rosario, was granted a provisional license by the Philippine Football Federation, paving the way for its entry in the fourth season of the Philippines Football League, which is targeting its kickoff next month.
Del Rosario, who also founded the successful 7s Football League, will be leading the newest club in the league not just as an owner but as one of the most reliable players of coach Roxy Dorlas.
“You can guarantee that Maharlika FC will be a club that will create something for the people,” said Del Rosario, whose club has signed former national team stalwarts Jerry Barbaso, Simon Greatwich and Misagh Bahadoran, former Loyola Meralco defender Joaco Cañas and Daniel Matsunaga.
“We do have a very good lineup of players willing to play for the team.”
Del Rosario said the club will also put emphasis on youth development in an effort to provide more opportunities for players aspiring to be part of the Azkals.
Maharlika FC’s entry ensures that the PFL will have a six-team cast for the planned restart to the 2020 season, which is the minimum requirement set by the AFC for national leagues.
Also seeing action in the PFL are Kaya FC-Iloilo, Mendiola FC 1991, Stallion Laguna FC, and United City FC whose application for change of club name from Ceres Negros FC was granted by PFF, and invited team Azkals Development Team.
In a meeting last Tuesday, the PFF Club Licensing First Instance Body also slapped a 90-day suspension on Global FC for its failure to settle its overdue payables to staff and players.
Global FC was also directed to demonstrate within 90 days to resolve the issue of financial obligations.
“Failure of the club to do so will lead to the revocation of Global FC’s PFF license for PFL season 2020 and ineligibility to compete in the league or apply for a renewal of club license,” the PFF FIB decision read.