Philippine Premier League Enters as the New Top Football Competition in the PH
Philippine Premier League (PPL) to kick-off as a new top-tier league after its launch last Wednesday, January 23, 2019, at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati City.
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PPL will start to host games in late March consisting of an expected eight teams, replacing the Philippine Football League.
“We believe this is a new dawn for Pinoy club football,” said Bernard Sumayao, the PPL commissioner, at Wednesday’s press conference.
The Philippine Football Federation bestowed Sumayao and PPL Sports Group Inc. the green light to operate and manage the competition.
“A vibrant domestic league is important for the growth of the game and we think the PPL has what it takes to succeed. We are all very excited,” expressed PPL President Mario Araneta.
Live games can be watched on ESPN5 with a game recap on SportsCenter. Meanwhile, the league’s broadcasters are still coming up with decision and planning regarding live streaming.
PPL commissioner Bernard Sumayao
Currently, 11 clubs that eyeing in participating in the league. The league expects to have at least eight clubs to participate this year.
The final roster of the clubs are still being finalized, meanwhile, PPL League champs Ceres Negros, and Copa Paulino Alcantara holders Kaya-Iloilo, Stallion Laguna and Green Archers United Globe are some of the listed clubs. Philippine Air Force was said to most likely to participate.
There will be a lot of changes apart from the previous league this includes the remittance of annual registration charges instead of franchising.
PPL commissioner Bernard Sumayao, PPL President Mariano Araneta, PPL Tournament Director Richard Gannaban
The league follows a triple round-robin scheme, paving away from home-and-away games. Around three to four grounds around Metro Manila will host some of the games, including the University of Makati.
Sumayao said that the league also plans to hold late-season games in the rural areas for other matches. He also reiterated that there will be an electric atmosphere as live music and other activities will be incorporated in the games.
“We intend to have fan engagement activities during our matches. We want PPL games to be a fun experience for everyone in the family,” claimed Sumayao.
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Fans can also expect an online store and a magazine as part of the league’s effort in putting their presence in the country.
This is a press release. Minor edits were made prior to publishing.
