Negros wins Suzuki Cup U23 title; PFF upholds 3-1 first leg triumph

Photo by Jerome Galunan, Bleacher's Brew

BACOLOD—Citing the spirit of fair play, the Philippine Football Federation backtracked on its earlier decision and restored Ceres-Negros Occidental’s 3-1 extra time first leg triumph in the finals of the PFF Suzuki Under-23 National Cup.

The decision was made late Saturday night on the eve of the second leg at the Panaad Stadium after another meeting among the officials of both teams, the PFF and Suzuki representatives.

Negros eventually bagged the inaugural U-23 national championship on a 12-1 aggregate after a 9-0 dismantling of Iloilo in the second leg Sunday night.

The PFF competitions committee had earlier upheld Iloilo’s protest that stemmed from the holding of extra time in the first leg after regulation play ended at 1-1.

Sources said Iloilo withdrew its protest upon the prodding of PFF president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta, who is a former head of the Iloilo Football Association.

Collective decision
“Upon careful consideration and in the spirit of fair play, it was agreed by all parties that the score should be 3-1,” a statement from the federation signed by general-secretary Chito Manuel said.

“It was a collective decision,” Manuel said. “It’s for the good of football. But it should never happen again.”

Before the decision was made, Negros assistant coach Ramon Janeo Saturday night said their team was ready to play the second leg last night at the Panaad Stadium even if the score was pegged at 1-1.

The red cards slapped on Iloilo keeper Wilson Munoz and defender Rhanty Bayquin were also retained, forcing them to miss the second leg.

“Its a great gesture of sportsmanship on the part of Iloilo, especially PFF president Araneta,” said Philippine Olympic Committee chairman Monico Puentevella, who is one of the backers of the Negros squad.

Iloilo was actually a subject of two protests earlier in the tournament for fielding players not in their initial 18-man lineup, and although the players in question were no longer allowed to play in the knockout stage, the Ilonggos’  victories were not forfeited.