PFL roster review an offshoot of UCFC woes?

The Philippines Football League (PFL) hinted that it may take action against clubs that would fail to meet lineup requirements before the resumption of the 2022-2023 season next weekend amid speculations surrounding the future of United City FC (UCFC).

A press release issued Friday bared that the league is set to review the team roster forms submitted by the clubs to determine if they can be allowed to take part in the league season that was last played in November.

The form is described as “an essential document that declares the team’s composition for the upcoming season brought on by the ongoing transfer window [which began last Jan. 1].”

“Upon receiving the participating club’s team roster, PFL will review the status of rosters and the club if they are deemed eligible to compete this season. The rosters shall then be published online through social media,” the PFL said.

“Any club that may fail to submit or meet the requirements necessary for the team roster form shall be addressed by the league. As the season is midway toward its conclusion, clubs are expected to field their strongest lineup to ensure a high level of football to be enjoyed by the fans,” the league added.

The PFL’s announcement appeared to have been a subtle warning to UCFC, which has been dealing with a number of player departures—key figures, in fact—since the transfer window began.

Vital cogs such as Kenshiro Daniels, Mark Hartmann, Anthony Pinthus, Pika Minegishi, and Amirbek Juraboev have left for clubs overseas while Cholo Bugas has moved to the Azkals Development Team (ADT).

Team manager Ace Bright also left the club to take a similar position with ADT, further fueling speculations.

United City has not announced any signings to make up for their departures, with its social media page being dormant since its last post on New Year’s Day.

Talks of financial woes and even a transfer ban handed to UCFC circulated within the local football community and in fan groups on social media. The league refrained from commenting on those rumors.

United City is currently in second place with 24 points, six behind leader Kaya-Iloilo, but its status remains a question mark.