Two teams each from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the UAAP have expressed interest to participate in the Copa Paulino Alcantara slated in June, the Philippines Football League (PFL) said on Thursday.
Air Force, Army, La Salle and Ateneo recently submitted their intentions to be among the non-PFL clubs that will take part in the annual cup competition named after the great Filipino striker who played for FC Barcelona in the early 20th century.
Davao Aguilas-University of Makati, Tuloy FC, Pilipinas Dragons, Manila Digger, CDO Rapids and Dasmarinas FC are the other clubs hoping to take part in the competition that was expanded after the previous four editions were held exclusively for PFL participants.
But the 2023 Copa tilt could be held without defending champion United City FC, which withdrew from the resumption of the PFL season due to financial issues.
It is still being determined if all 10 clubs will be given the thumbs up to take part in the tournament, but some of them have been known for their success in the past.
Air Force won multiple championships going back many decades, with its recent championships being in the defunct United Football League and UFL Cup. The Airmen took part in the 2019 PFL season after receiving a provisional license.
Davao is making a comeback to the Copa after placing second to Kaya-Iloilo in the 2018 edition. The Aguilas are currently in the amateur ranks, having formed multiple youth teams since leaving the PFL.