Exit: Davao; Enter: more interested squads

The man tasked to spearhead the latest attempt to create a strong and financially stable national football league remains confident the Philippines Premier League (PPL) will have at least eight clubs by the time it kicks off in March next year.

Bernie Sumayao is concerned over the decision of the Davao Aguilas to pull out next season, but the PPL commissioner reports the league has gotten strong interest “from a number of teams” that will allow them to achieve their target next season.

The remaining teams from the Philippines Football League include reigning champion Ceres-Negros, which is also seeing action in the AFC Champions League, Copa Paulino Alcantara Cup winner Kaya Iloilo, Global Cebu, JPV Marikina and Stallion Laguna.

“When an important team departs the league, it is always a cause of concern,” said Sumayao. “However, we have also been approached by a number of teams. We are currently evaluating the merits of each applicant.”

Davao’s withdrawal from the PPL once again cast a spotlight on the stability of clubs and the sustainability of a home-and-away competition in the country.

Davao owner Jefferson Cheng pointed to the lack of television coverage as one of the reasons for their pullout, leaving a cloud of doubt on the future of top players like Phil and James Younghusband.